Devices and methods for monitoring genomic DNA of organisms

ABSTRACT

The invention provides an apparatus that can be used in methods of preparing, amplifying, detecting, and/or optionally selecting for further analysis the genomic material from an organism for the rapid detection and/or classification of an organism in a sample (e.g., screening for, identifying, quantifying, and/or optionally further analyzing, e.g., sequencing, the genomic material of the organism). The invention further provides methods of using the apparatus, e.g., in combination with novel SGP primers for improved use in waveform-profiling methods of DNA amplification. It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for fully automated analysis of genomic material, and multiple methods of using the apparatus that are beneficial to society, e.g., the apparatus may be used in methods of screening for, identifying, quantifying, and/or selecting genomic material for further analysis (e.g., sequencing) in relation to monitoring a source for the presence of contaminating organisms.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.11/356,807, filed Feb. 17, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,604,938, issuedOct. 20, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/653,978, filed Feb. 18, 2005, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to an apparatus that can be used in methodsof preparing, amplifying, detecting, and/or optionally selecting forfurther analysis the genomic material from an organism for the rapiddetection and/or classification of an organism in a sample (e.g.,screening for, identifying, quantifying, and/or optionally furtheranalyzing, e.g., sequencing, the genomic material of the organism).

2. Related Background Art

Recent basic and innovative developments have allowed biotechnologicalprocesses to become more sophisticated and simultaneously morecomplicated. For example, although many useful techniques have beendeveloped to reduce the cost of, simplify, and standardize processes ofDNA preparation, amplification, detection, and identification, there areno known apparatuses on the market that allow the full automation ofthese processes for the screening, quantification, identification,and/or further analysis, e.g., sequencing, of DNA.

In the biotechnological field, there is a need for rapid detectionand/or classification of organisms, such as bacteria and viruses, in avariety of samples (e.g., environmental and medical). For example, rapiddetection of bacteria, and subsequent classification of the speciesand/or strain, may be necessary to provide quality assurance for, e.g.,a local water supply, a hospital, or a food processing plant; i.e., itmay be necessary to monitor various samples, including but not limitedto samples of air, dust, water, blood, tissues, plants, foodstuffs,etc., for the presence of contaminating organisms, and to classify thecontaminating organisms prior to consumption, exposure, and/or use bythe public, or during use by the public.

Standard microbiological methods for detecting and/or classifying anorganism, e.g., culturing and Gram-staining or testing of otherbiochemical properties, are imprecise and often cannot differentiateamong different organisms, let alone different strains of an organism.More precise methods for detecting and/or identifying an organism arebased on the genomic DNA of the organism. One such well-known method ofdetection and/or identification (classification) is the polymerase chainreaction (PCR), for which technological developments have increased itslevel of throughput and automation.

PCR is effectuated by two separate and distinct (first and second)primers, each of which is respectively complementary to a nucleotidesequence found on either of the two templates of the genomic DNA. Sincethe sequences of the two primers are based on the sequences of the twogenomic DNA templates, the two primers bind to and bracket a singularand isolated locus of the double-stranded genomic DNA. PCR using such apair of primers results in the exponential amplification ofdouble-stranded genomic DNA that is identical to the singular andisolated locus of the genome bracketed by nucleotide sequencescomplementary to the two primers, i.e., a locus of DNA flanked by afirst primer binding site on the 3′-end of one genomic DNA template anda second primer binding site on the 3′-end of the other genomic DNAtemplate.

PCR is useful in detecting small amounts of DNA, not only because itresults in the exponential amplification of double-stranded DNA, butalso because of the development of new technologies that increase thelevel of PCR throughput and automation. An example of one suchtechnology is the use of microfluidic systems, includingcontroller/detector interfaces for microfluidic devices, as describedin, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,500,323 and 6,670,153. These microfluidicsystems, collectively referred to herein as automated inline PCRplatforms, are well known in the art and are generally described below.

Most automated inline PCR platforms utilize a microfluidic chip thatworks with controller/detector interfaces for automated sampleaccession, microfluidic PCR reagent assembly, PCR thermal cycling, andoptical detection spectroscopy. A microfluidic chip generally comprisesa first plate with at least one micro-etched fluidic (microfluidic)inline reaction channel that may be bonded to a second plate, withinwhich may be metal traces and a fluid reservoir. When the two plates arebonded together to form the microfluidic chip, each microfluidicreaction channel of the first plate may connect with a fluid reservoirof the second plate so that locus-specific reagents can be deliveredthrough the fluid reservoirs to the microfluidic inline reactionchannels.

Usually, automated inline PCR using a microfluidic chip does not occurin a chamber; instead, the reaction occurs as the sample is moved alongand inside a microfluidic inline reaction channel. Inline PCR beginswhen a capillary, or “sipper,” aspirates a sample droplet (which may ormay not be a DNA sample droplet, i.e., a sample droplet comprisinggenomic material isolated from an organism) from, e.g., a microtiterplate (which may come from, e.g., a robotic handler) into at least onemicrofluidic inline reaction channel. After aspirating a sample dropletinto a microfluidic inline reaction channel, the sipper can be moved toa buffer trough so that buffer is drawn into the microfluidic chip.Consequently, cross-contamination among sample droplets is minimizedsince each sample droplet is separated from adjacent sample droplets bybuffer spacers. Each sample droplet is then moved along a microfluidicinline reaction channel and into a PCR assembly area of the chip,wherein the sample droplet becomes a sample plug by being mixed withPCR-required reagents, e.g., a primer pair, DNA polymerase, and dNTPs,and detectable agents, e.g., intercalators, etc. Optionally, bufferspacers may also be mixed with PCR-required reagents to serve asnegative controls. After being mixed with PCR-required and detectableagents, a sample plug (which may or may not be a DNA sample plug, i.e.,a sample plug comprising genomic material) is moved along the length ofthe microfluidic inline reaction channel into different areas of thechip, e.g., an amplification area wherein PCR may be effected on thesample plugs.

Generally, as each sample plug (e.g., a DNA sample plug) flows through amicrofluidic inline reaction channel, it enters an amplification area,i.e., a temperature-controlled area, wherein each microfluidic inlinereaction channel is repeatedly and rapidly heated and cooled in alocalized manner such that the denaturing, annealing and elongationsteps of PCR are effected on each sample plug as it moves through thechannel. A skilled artisan will recognize that amplification of DNA willoccur only in DNA sample plugs, i.e., sample plugs comprising genomicmaterial. A method of controlling the temperature in the amplificationarea is Joule heating (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,965,410 and6,670,153). Generally, voltage can be applied to the metal traces in acontrolled and localized manner to effectuate the different temperaturesrequired for each cycle of PCR (i.e., each cycle of denaturing,annealing, and elongation). Cooling of the reaction can be achievedthrough the use of, e.g., cooling fluid that travels through a coil tocarry away thermal energy in the form of heat from the microfluidicinline reaction channel, or by allowing rapid heat dissipation, e.g.,via the application of cold water to the bottom surface of themicrofluidic chip. Since the volume of fluid in the microfluidicchannels is small and the metal traces are located very close to themicrofluidic inline reaction channels, heating and cooling of the fluidin the channels (and hence, sample plugs) is accomplished very rapidly.Consequently, DNA sample plugs undergo PCR, and PCR cycles run suchthat, e.g., 30 cycles may be performed in less than nine minutes. Thenumber of PCR cycles each DNA sample plug sees as it travels through amicrofluidic channel in the temperature-controlled area of the chip maybe varied by changing either or both 1) the timing of the voltageapplied to the metal traces, and 2) the flow rate of the DNA sampleplugs through the microfluidic channels.

A microfluidic chip can simultaneously perform as many polymerase chainreactions as it has microfluidic inline reaction channels. For example,a sample comprising genomic material may be aspirated into multipledifferent microfluidic inline reaction channels, to each of which isadded a different locus-specific reagent (e.g., a different primer pairthat brackets a different locus on the genomic material, e.g., DNA).This allows for the simultaneous detection of several different loci on,e.g., genomic material isolated from the same organism. Alternatively,reagents comprising one specific primer pair may be aspirated intomultiple different microfluidic inline reaction channels. This allowsfor the simultaneous detection of the same locus, e.g., on genomicmaterial isolated from different organisms. Additionally, multiplesample droplets may be aspirated into the same microfluidic reactionchannel.

A detection area is usually downstream of the temperature-controlledamplification area, and is generally a transparent region that allowsobservation and detection of the amplified DNA products, e.g., PCRproducts. In the detection area, each microfluidic inline reactionchannel is usually brought in close proximity and passed under adetector. A light source is spread across the microfluidic inlinereaction channels so that detectable agents, e.g., fluorescence emittedfrom each channel, e.g., from each DNA sample plug, passing through theoptical detection area may be measured simultaneously. After thedetection area, each microfluidic inline reaction channel usually leadseach sample plug to a waste well.

Three different methods are usually used to generate fluid motion withinmicrofluidic inline reaction channels; the methods involveelectrokinetics, pressure, or a hybrid of the two (see, e.g., U.S. Pat.No. 6,670,153). In a pressure-based flow system, an internal or externalsource may be used to drive the flow of fluid in the inline reactionchannels. For example, a vacuum may be applied to waste wells at theends of each microfluidic inline reaction channel and may be used toactivate the sipper and move the fluid along the microfluidic inlinereaction channels toward the waste wells. Alternatively, since genomicmaterial is charged, electrokinetics, i.e., the generation of a voltagegradient (e.g., by the application of voltage to the metal traces) maybe used to drive charged fluid along the microfluidic inline reactionchannels. A third method of driving the fluid along the inline reactionchannels uses both electrokinetics and pressure. The result is acontinuous flow of fluid within the microfluidic inline reactionchannels, wherein sample plugs (e.g., DNA sample plugs) are continuouslybeing mixed or moved to different areas (e.g., a PCR assembly area, atemperature-controlled area, a detection area, etc.) of the chip.

Electrokinetic and/or pressure-driven fluid movement, heating andcooling cycles, detection, and the data acquisition related to amicrofluidic chip may be controlled by an instrument that interfaces ator with the chip (generally described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.6,582,576). The interface of the instrument usually contains o-ringseals that seal the reagent wells on the chip, pogo pins that mayinterface with the metal traces on the chip and supply the voltage fortemperature cycling, o-ring seals for the waste wells where a vacuum maybe applied to move the fluid through the chip, a large o-ring that maybe used to seal the bottom of the chip against circulating cool waterand to speed the cooling during the temperature cycling, and a detectionzone for, e.g., fluorescence detection. A skilled artisan will recognizethat the risk of contamination with this system is minimal because amicrofluidic chip is usually a closed system, physical barriers (e.g.,buffer spacers) separate sample plugs (e.g., DNA sample plugs), and thecontinuous flow prevents sample plugs from moving backwards.

Since PCR (and consequently, automated inline PCR platforms)exponentially amplifies DNA, it may be used to detect small amounts ofgenomic material. However, because PCR requires primers that arespecifically complimentary to sequences of the genomic material that areknown and bracket the locus of interest, it is limited in that it canonly be used for the detection and classification of known organisms. Inother words, the investigator is required to know or guess the identityof the organism (i.e., the appropriate pair of primers to use) prior toany attempts at detecting the organism. Another limitation of PCR (andconsequently of automated inline PCR platforms) is the inability of theinvestigator to obtain sequence information about the amplified DNA,other than information about the sequences complimentary to the twoprimers used in the analysis. Additionally, an automated inline PCRplatform does not provide a means to further analyze, e.g., sequence,the genomic material in, e.g., a DNA sample plug, after it has traveledthe length of a microfluidic inline reaction channel. Further analysis,e.g., providing the sequence, of the genomic material may be importantand useful in, e.g., distinguishing a pathogenic strain from anonpathogenic strain, detecting and providing the sequence of a newstrain, etc.

To overcome some of the limitations of PCR, methods of waveformprofiling were developed (see, e.g., the method of waveform profilingdescribed in Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003-334082and 2003-180351). Waveform profiling methods, e.g., those described inJapanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003-334082 and2003-180351, provide ways to analyze and profile genomic material, e.g.,DNA isolated from organisms, such as bacteria, without requiring theinvestigator to know or guess the identity of the organism prior todetection. Briefly, waveform profiling generally analyzes the genomicDNA of the organism using a unique primer(s) and the two denaturedstrands of the genomic DNA as templates to linearly amplify severaldistinct single-stranded nucleic acid polymers that form higher-orderstructures, e.g., triplexes, tetraplexes (or quadruplexes), etc. Becausethe genomic DNA of the organism is used as the template, the resultingsingle-stranded nucleic acid polymers will be distinct and containsequences unique to the organism. Thus, the single-stranded nucleic acidpolymers will form higher-order structures based on sequences unique tothe organism. Accordingly, detection of such unique higher-orderstructures, which may be accomplished using detectable agents, e.g.,fluorescent intercalators, may identify the organism.

The several distinct single-stranded nucleic acid polymers are usuallyproduced using a single pattern generative waveform primer characterizedby its structure and length. A waveform primer (i.e., awaveform-profiling primer) generally consists of two portions, anonspecific stabilizing portion and a specific portion. As discussedbelow, the nonspecific stabilizing portion may help guide the formationof higher-order structures. In contrast, the specific portion guides thewaveform primer to specifically bind to sequences complementary to itsown sequence. The length of the waveform primer (e.g., 8-30 bases inlength) is usually critical because it allows the specific portion ofthe primer to bind specifically to several discrete primer bindingsites, i.e., sequences complementary to the waveform primer, along thelength of a genomic DNA template. The binding of waveform primers toseveral primer-binding sites along each single-stranded genomic DNAtemplate allows for the generation of several distinct single-strandednucleic acid polymers, the generation of which is usually critical tothis method.

In addition to utilizing a waveform primer, this method of waveformprofiling also utilizes several cycles of linear amplification toprovide multiple copies of each of several distinct single-strandednucleic acid polymers; therefore, many copies of the waveform primer areadded to a solution containing the genomic DNA of interest prior to thefirst cycle of linear amplification. Similar (at least generally) toPCR, one cycle of linear amplification comprises the following steps: 1)denaturing each copy of the double-stranded genomic DNA into twosingle-stranded genomic DNA templates, 2) annealing (i.e., providingconditions that allow the binding of) the waveform primer to severaldiscrete primer binding sites on each single-stranded genomic DNAtemplate, and 3) elongating several distinct single-stranded nucleicacid polymers from each of several waveform primers bound to primerbinding sites along each genomic DNA template.

During one cycle of linear amplification, the temperature of the genomicDNA is increased (e.g., to 95-98° C.) to denature each copy of thegenomic DNA into two single-stranded genomic DNA templates. Thetemperature is subsequently decreased (e.g., to 25° C.) to allowwaveform primers to bind to several discrete primer-binding sites alongthe length of each denatured genomic DNA template. The final step in thecycle, elongation of several distinct single-stranded nucleic acidpolymers from each bound waveform primer, is performed at ˜72° C. usinga polymerase, e.g., Taq polymerase. After this final step, the cyclerepeats.

During the next denaturing step, the several distinct nucleic acidpolymers are denatured from the genomic DNA templates and becomesingle-stranded nucleic acid polymers, wherein each single-strandednucleic acid polymer has a 5′-to-3′ nucleotide sequence comprising thenucleotide sequence of the waveform primer from which thesingle-stranded nucleic acid polymer was elongated, followed by adistinct nucleotide sequence that is complementary to the sequence ofthe region of the genomic DNA template that was downstream of thegenomic DNA sequence that bound to a waveform primer. Since eachsingle-stranded nucleic acid polymer comprises the sequence of thewaveform primer at its 5′-end, each single-stranded nucleic acid polymeralso comprises the nonspecific stabilizing portion of the waveformprimer. The nonspecific stabilizing portion of the waveform primergenerally guides each single-stranded nucleic acid polymer to formhigher-order structures and effectively prevents the single-strandednucleic acid polymers from binding to any waveform primer in subsequentcycles of amplification.

In other words, the single-stranded nucleic acid polymers are not usedas templates in subsequent cycles of amplification, and each cycle ofamplification in this method of waveform profiling is linear and notexponential, i.e., each cycle of amplification produces only a singlecopy of each of the several distinct single-stranded nucleic acidpolymers containing sequences unique to the organism, i.e., sequencescomplementary to sequences of the genomic DNA template that aredownstream of waveform primers bound to primer binding sites. Thus, incontrast to PCR, which results in exponential amplification,waveform-profiling methods generally result in linear amplification,i.e., nonexponential amplification, of the several distinctsingle-stranded nucleic acid polymers containing sequences unique to theorganism.

Each single-stranded nucleic acid polymer contains a base sequencecomplementary to a sequence of a genomic DNA template that is downstreamof a waveform primer bound to a primer-binding site, so differences inbase sequences present on multiple sites of different genomic DNAs maybe compared and distinguished. As described above, the multiple copiesof each of several distinct single-stranded nucleic acid polymers willinteract with each other to form higher-order structures, i.e.,complexes (e.g., triplexes and tetraplexes) comprising one or moresingle-stranded distinct nucleic acid polymers. The higher-order nucleicacid structures will have different stabilities and dissociate atdifferent melting temperatures (Tm) depending on the base sequences ofsingle-stranded nucleic acid polymers, i.e., based on the unique genomicinformation of the organism.

Waveform profiling generally requires that the Tm of the variousdifferent higher-order structures, produced using the genomic DNA of aparticular organism as a template, be determined and recorded (meltingtemperature analysis); this can be accomplished with the use offluorescent agents that intercalate into higher-order DNA structures,i.e., intercalators. The higher-order DNA structures generated bywaveform profiling may be dissociated by increasing the temperature ofthe sample. As the higher-order DNA structures dissociate, thefluorescent agents intercalated in these higher-order structures willalso dissociate. Plotting the rate of change of fluorescence intensityobtained by the dissociation of these higher-order structures as afunction of increasing temperature will produce a waveform that isunique to the genomic DNA of the organism and the utilized waveformprimer, i.e., the dissociation of higher-order DNA structures atdifferent melting temperatures (Tm) are observed and recorded to producea characteristic “waveform profile” for each species (or strain) oforganism, e.g., bacteria. Thus, waveform profiling may be used todistinguish between genomic DNA isolated from a first organism andgenomic DNA isolated from a second organism using melting temperatureanalysis and intercalators to obtain a unique waveform profile for eachorganism.

Since the above-described method (related to waveform profiling) relieson linear amplification, one of the difficulties of using this method isthe requirement for a large starting amount of genomic DNA from theparticular organism (e.g., bacteria) to be detected and/or identified.Consequently, waveform-profiling methods may be used to detect andidentify organisms only if the organisms are present in large numbers(e.g., 10⁶ or more organisms) within a given sample, but are noteffective for detecting and/or identifying a very small number oforganisms. Additionally, similar to PCR, another limitation of thismethod is its inability to provide detailed information about thegenomic material, e.g., sequence information.

Accordingly, waveform profiling methods are generally not useful indetecting and/or identifying an organism present in small numbers, e.g.,in a sample taken from a water supply or source at the onset ofcontamination, or providing detailed information, e.g., sequenceinformation, about the genomic material of the organism. Although PCR(and consequently, inline automated PCR platforms) may resolve thelimitation of this waveform profiling method that requires a largestarting sample (since PCR results in the exponential amplification ofthe genomic DNA and allows for the detection of organisms present insmall numbers), it is known in the art that waveform profiles producedusing the complementary double-stranded pieces of DNA that result fromPCR amplification are insufficient for identification of particulargenomic sequences (see, e.g., “Goodbye DNA Chip, Hello Genopattern for21^(st) Century,” printed and distributed by Adgene Co., Ltd.). Also, todate, there is no known automated inline PCR platform capable ofdetecting waveform profiles. In other words, the prior art not onlyexplicitly teaches it is not possible to compare, differentiate andidentify genomic material (from various species or strains of organisms)using melting temperature (Tm) analysis of standard PCR products, italso fails to provide technology that increases the levels of waveformprofiling throughput and automation.

Additionally, although waveform profiling methods may provide for therapid detection and/or classification of an organism via detection ofits genomic DNA, these methods, as well as methods of PCR and inlineautomated PCR platforms, are all limited because they do not providedetailed information on the genomic material, e.g., sequenceinformation, as provided by a sequencing chip (see, e.g., U.S. PublishedPatent Application No. 2005/0009022). Further examination of the genomicmaterial, e.g., analysis of the sequence information, may be important,for example, when genomic variations among different strains of the sameorganism (which may be undetectable using, e.g., a particular PCR primerpair or waveform primer) cause the different strains to have differentpathogenic properties, in the detection of new strains of infectiousagents (e.g., variants of influenza virus or variants of a biologicalweapon), which may pose greater threats to public health, etc.

As described above, many basic methods (e.g., PCR, waveform profiling,etc.) and innovative technological developments (e.g., automated inlinePCR platforms) have taken place in the field of detecting and/orclassifying organisms. Although these methods and developments arebecoming more sophisticated, and have simplified, standardized, and mademore efficient the detection and/or classification of organisms, thepresent inventors know of no art-recognized apparatus that provides forthe automation of all of these methods and developments simultaneously,i.e., an automated inline platform that allows for PCR, waveformprofiling, and/or optionally selecting genomic material for furtheranalysis, e.g., sequencing. The present invention overcomes thislimitation by providing such an apparatus comprising microfluidicdevices that may be used to detect and/or classify (e.g., screen for,quantify, identify, and/or optionally select for further analysis, e.g.,sequencing of) genomic material (isolated from an organism (e.g.,bacteria or viruses)) in a sample by automated methods of preparing(e.g., isolating, processing, mixing with reaction reagents, etc.),amplifying (e.g., by PCR, waveform profiling, etc.), detecting and/oroptionally selecting for further analysis, e.g., sequencing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus forfully automated analysis of genomic material, i.e., preparing (e.g.,isolating, processing, mixing with reaction reagents, etc.), amplifying(e.g., by methods of PCR and/or waveform profiling), detecting (i.e.,screening for, identifying, and/or quantifying), and optionally,selecting for further analysis of the genomic material. It is anotherobject of the present invention to provide multiple methods of using theapparatus that are beneficial to society, e.g., the apparatus may beused in methods of screening for, identifying, quantifying, and/orselecting genomic material for further analysis, e.g., sequencing.

Screening a sample and detecting any unknown and potentiallycontaminating organism is an important and first method of using anapparatus of the invention, especially as a continuous (i.e., 24 hours aday, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year) measure, for example, as ananti-terrorism measure, to watch over and keep safe public supplies,e.g., water and air supplies. Since public supplies, e.g., watersupplies, are expected to be safe, continuous screening of such suppliesmay result in constant acquisition of negative data, e.g., zerodetection of contamination, rendering continuous screening expensive andseemingly redundant. A benefit of using an apparatus of the inventionfor the detection of the absence or presence of genomic material (i.e.,contamination) is its relatively low cost associated with continuousscreening.

Identification is another method of using an apparatus of the inventionand is common in the analysis of genomic material. Because the apparatusof the invention may be used in methods detecting amplified DNA productsgenerated by a known primer and/or that form a profile based on thegenomic material of an organism, methods of using an apparatus of theinvention for detection of the absence or presence of genomic materialallow for the simultaneous identification of the organism from which thegenomic material was isolated. Additionally, detecting the absence orpresence of amplified products using an apparatus and methods of theinvention will allow for the identification of whether more than onecontaminating organism is present in the sample.

In another embodiment, an apparatus of the invention is used in methodsof quantifying the amount of genomic material present in a sample. Suchquantification may be useful for a deeper analysis in measuring, e.g.,the progression of disease, the numerical differences in the presence orabsence of a first and second organism, etc.

The ability to select genomic material for further analysis, e.g.,sequencing, is a final (optional) method of the invention. A skilledartisan will recognize that further analysis may be required when theresults from the detection, identification, and/or quantificationmethods of the invention suggest that a contaminating organism poses aserious threat.

It is another object of the invention to also provide an improved methodof waveform profiling genomic material, which has been isolated from anorganism(s) in a sample, even if the organism(s) is present in a smallnumber in the sample. The improved waveform profiling method may be usedwith an apparatus of the invention.

Thus, the present invention provides an apparatus that allows automatedinline detection of genomic material amplified via PCR and/or waveformprofiling (including the improved methods of waveform profiling of theinvention), and also provides the option to subsequently select forfurther analysis, e.g., sequencing of the detected genomic material.

In particular, the present invention is directed toward microfluidicsystems, i.e., inline automated platforms, capable of producing anddetecting amplified DNA products generated by waveform profilingmethods.

The microfluidic systems, described herein, result in a novel inlineautomated platform that may be used with methods of either or both PCRand waveform profiling, and optionally, other methods of DNA analysis,e.g., sequencing methods. The invention also provides novel improvementsto waveform profiling methods such that a modified version of PCR may beincorporated to allow the waveform profiling of a small starting amountof genomic material. Additionally, the present invention providesmethods of using the inline automated platform of the invention, i.e.,the apparatus comprising devices provided herein, to prepare, amplify,detect (e.g., screen for, quantify, identify), and/or optionally selectfor further analysis (e.g., sequence) genomic material isolated from anorganism in a sample. One of skill in the art will recognize that theautomated inline platform of the invention, the improved waveformprofiling method, and the disclosed methods of using the automatedinline platform of the invention (e.g., with the improved waveformprofiling method) will allow for continuous detection, (e.g., screening,identification, quantification), and/or selection for further analysis(e.g., sequencing) of genomic material from an organism, even if theorganism is present in a small number, e.g., the number of organismspresent in a sample at the onset of contamination of a water supply orother source.

As such, the invention is directed toward microfluidic devices to allowfor the detection of amplified DNA products (e.g., PCR-amplifiedproducts, higher order structures of waveform profiles, etc.) and toenable the detected DNA to be optionally selected for further analysis,e.g., by sequence analysis. In one embodiment of the invention, aninline automated microfluidic device of the invention comprisesmicrofluidic inline reaction channel(s) that are within a secondtemperature-controlled area as they enter the detection area of thedevice. Placement of the microfluidic reaction channels in such a secondtemperature-controlled area allows for the detection of not only PCRamplified products, but also the detection of higher-order nucleic acidpolymers generated with the waveform profiling methods (or improvedmethods thereof, as explained herein and in U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/591,596, herein incorporated by reference) as thehigher-order nucleic acid structures dissociate at different meltingtemperatures within the second temperature-controlled area, i.e.,allowing for melting temperature analysis.

As such the present invention provides a microfluidic device comprisingat least one sipper, at least one fluid reservoir connected to at leastone microfluidic inline reaction channel, wherein the at least onemicrofluidic inline reaction channel runs through a reagent assemblyarea, an amplification area within a first temperature-controlled area,and a detection area within a second temperature-controlled area, and atleast one metal trace for heating of and/or fluid movement within themicrofluidic inline reaction channel, wherein detection of amplified DNAproducts may occur at more than one temperature (i.e., detection occursat one or more temperatures).

In another embodiment of the invention, a microfluidic channel comprisesa “valve” downstream of the detection area, such that a decision may bemade regarding whether the DNA sample plug passing through the “valve”will be aspirated, e.g., into a waste well, or selected for furtheranalysis, e.g., with a DNA sequencing chip.

As such the present invention provides a microfluidic device, comprisingat least one sipper, at least one fluid reservoir connected to at leastone microfluidic inline reaction channel, wherein the at least onemicrofluidic inline reaction channel runs through a reagent assemblyarea, an amplification area, and a detection area, and wherein the atleast one microfluidic inline reaction channel further comprises a valvedownstream of the detection area; and at least one metal trace forheating of and/or fluid movement within the microfluidic inline reactionchannel.

The invention also provides a microfluidic device, comprising at leastone sipper, at least one fluid reservoir connected to at least onemicrofluidic inline reaction channel, wherein the at least onemicrofluidic inline reaction channel runs through a reagent assemblyarea, an amplification area within a first temperature-controlled area,and a detection area within a second temperature-controlled area, andwherein the at least one microfluidic inline reaction channel furthercomprises a valve downstream of the detection area, and at least onemetal trace for heating of and/or fluid movement within the microfluidicinline reaction channel, wherein detection of amplified DNA products mayoccur at more than one temperature.

Additionally, the present invention is directed to instruments (i.e.,controllers/detectors), capable of controlling the fluid movement in themicrofluidic devices of the invention, heating and cooling of the firstand second temperature-controlled areas of microfluidic devices of theinvention, and acquiring data from the microfluidic devices of theinvention. As such, the present invention provides an instrument thatcontrols fluid movement within, heating and cooling of, and dataacquisition from, a microfluidic device of the invention comprising acartridge that interfaces between the instrument and a microfluidicdevice of the invention. In one embodiment, the instrument establishes,monitors, controls and detects amplified products within a secondtemperature-controlled area. In another embodiment of the invention, theinstrument is capable of deciding whether a sample plug at a valve willbe directed toward a waste well or selected for further analysis, e.g.,sequencing.

One of skill in the art will recognize that the devices and instrumentsdescribed above will be useful not only in high throughput automatedinline PCR, but also high throughput automated inline waveform profilingand/or optionally further methods of analysis, e.g., DNA sequencing.

The microfluidic devices and instruments of the invention are intendedto work together to provide an automated inline platform for either orboth PCR and waveform profiling methods and optionally, e.g., sequencinganalysis. As such, the invention also provides an apparatus comprising amicrofluidic device of the invention and an instrument of the invention.In addition, the apparatus may further comprise a cartridge thatinterfaces between the instrument and a microfluidic device of theinvention; such cartridges are well known in the art.

Additionally, the invention is directed to improved methods of waveformprofiling, collectively referred to herein as Single Genome Profiling(SGP). SGP requires the use of primers (“SGP primers”) for theamplification of several distinct “SGP nucleic acid polymers.” SGPprimers are characterized by their length and ability to bindspecifically to several discrete sites along the length of the genomicDNA. Since an SGP primer does not comprise a nonspecific stabilizingportion, SGP nucleic acid polymers (elongated from the SGP primers ofthe invention bound to several discrete SGP primer binding sites on,e.g., a single-stranded genomic DNA template) are free to bind SGPprimers in subsequent amplification reactions. Because SGP primers maybind specifically to complementary nucleotide sequences along the lengthof single-stranded SGP nucleic acid polymers, an SGP primer alsofunctions as both a forward and reverse primer (in a modified version ofPCR, i.e., “mPCR”) to allow the amplification of several distinct“SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers,” each of which comprises a nucleotidesequence identical to the sequence of one of several regions of genomicDNA that are bracketed by SGP primer binding sites, i.e., each SGP-SGPnucleic acid polymer sequence has at its 5′-end the sequence of the SGPprimer and at its 3′-end the reverse complement of the SGP primer.Consequently, amplification of the several distinct SGP-SGP nucleic acidpolymers comprising a nucleotide sequence of the SGP primer and thereverse complement sequence of the SGP primer occurs in an exponential(nonlinear) fashion, and enables using the present invention to detectand identify (classify) the genomic DNA of an organism, even if theorganism is present in a small number. One of skill in the art willrecognize that in practicing the present invention on RNA-based genomes(e.g., that of a retrovirus), a reverse transcription reaction should beperformed prior to beginning SGP and the associated mPCR cycles.

The invention also provides a “half-time elongation step” associatedwith the final amplification step. In the present invention, the lengthof time for the elongation step associated with the final amplificationstep comprises a decrease in time (preferably the decrease in the lengthof time is approximately 40-60%; more preferably the decrease in thelength of time is approximately 50%) resulting in a “half-time”elongation step in a final amplification cycle. Such a half-timeelongation step typically will eliminate the exponential amplificationof many SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers because there will be insufficienttime for elongation of the nucleic acid polymer from the SGP primer tothe reverse complement of the SGP primer. Thus, shortened versions ofSGP nucleic acid polymers (“shortened SGP nucleic acid polymers”) willbe produced from SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers in the half-time step.One of skill in the art will recognize that, by performing the half-timeelongation step subsequent to several cycles of exponentialamplification with the modified version of PCR, i.e., mPCR, many copiesof each of the shortened SGP nucleic acid polymers may be produced.Additionally, during a subsequent denaturing step, the shortened SGPnucleic acid polymers will become single-stranded. Ultimately, theshortened single-stranded SGP nucleic acid polymers form thehigher-order structures that are detected in practicing the presentinvention with mPCR.

The present invention also provides the primers used in the improvedmethods, and methods for making these primers, as well as methods thatutilize the exponential amplification and reduce the variability ofwaveform profiling method.

The present invention also provides methods for the continuousmonitoring of a sample, or series of samples, for the absence orpresence of a contaminating organism, and the subsequent and optionalclassification of the contaminating organism. In the methods of theinvention, the automatic inline platform of the invention is used toprepare (e.g., isolate, process, mix with reaction reagents, etc.),amplify (e.g., by PCR, waveform profiling, etc.), and detect (e.g.,screen for, identify, quantify), and/or optionally select for furtheranalysis, e.g., sequence, genomic material isolated from an organism.Generally, methods of using an apparatus of the invention comprise thesteps of isolating genomic material from an organism, if present, in asample, aspirating sample droplets from the sample with a sipper into amicrofluidic inline reaction channel of a microfluidic device of theinvention, and forming sample plugs by mixing sample droplets withprimer plugs. The sample plugs then flow along the microfluidic inlinereaction channel into the amplification area of the microfluidic deviceof the invention, i.e., a first temperature-controlled area, wherein thesample plugs are subject to at least one amplification cycle comprisingdenaturing, annealing, and elongation. The sample plugs then enter thedetection area of the microfluidic device of the invention, which mayalso be a second temperature-controlled area. In embodiments usingwaveform profiling, this detection area is also a secondtemperature-controlled area such that it allows each amplified DNAsample plug to be brought from a first temperature to a secondtemperature as the detectable agents of each sample plug are detected attemperatures ranging between the first and second temperatures. In someembodiments of the invention, a sample plug is surrounded by animmiscible nonaqueous fluid (e.g., mineral oil) as it is being aspiratedto further prevent contamination (e.g., cross-contamination).

Thus, in one embodiment, the invention provides a method of determiningan organism in a sample, the method comprising the steps of (a)acquiring the sample; (b) isolating at least one copy of the genomic DNAof the organism, if present in the sample; (c) introducing a firstmixture comprising SGP primers, nucleotides, DNA polymerase, andintercalators to the genomic DNA of the organism to form a secondmixture; (d) heating the second mixture to a first temperature that willcause the genomic DNA, if present, to denature into a first and secondgenomic DNA template; (e) cooling the second mixture to a secondtemperature that will cause the primers to anneal to each genomic DNAtemplate; (f) reheating the second mixture to a third temperature thatis between the first and second temperatures to allow the primers toremain annealed to the genomic DNA and the DNA polymerase to elongatenucleic acid polymers originating from the annealed primers; (g)maintaining the third temperature for a first length of time; (h)repeating steps (d)-(g) at least once; (i) repeating steps (d)-(f); (j)maintaining the third temperature for a second length of time equal toabout 40-60% of the first length of time; (k) recooling the secondmixture to a fourth temperature lower than or equal to that of thesecond temperature to allow formation of higher-order structurescontaining intercalators; (l) detecting the resulting higher-orderstructures; (m) performing melting temperature analysis; (n) detecting awaveform profile; and (o) determining a positive waveform profile fromthe sample if the sample contained the organism. In another embodiment,the third temperature is maintained for a second length of time about40-60% (e.g., 50%) of the first length of time. In another embodiment,the number of times steps (d)-(g) are repeated in step (h) is 20-50times (e.g., 22-24 times). In another embodiment, the method furthercomprises repeating steps (i)-(j) one or more times prior to step (k).

Thus, the invention provides a method of detecting the absence orpresence of an organism in a sample, the method comprising, in thisorder, the steps of: (a) acquiring the sample; (b) isolating at leastone copy of the genomic material of the organism, if present, in thesample; (c) aspirating at least one sample droplet into a microfluidicreaction channel; (d) forming at least one sample plug by mixing the atleast one sample droplet with a primer plug, wherein the primer plugcomprises, e.g., amplification reagents; (e) heating the at least onesample plug to a first temperature that will cause each copy of thegenomic DNA, if present, to denature into a first and second genomic DNAtemplate; (f) cooling the at least one sample plug to a secondtemperature to cause primers in the primer plug to anneal to eachgenomic DNA template; (g) reheating the at least one sample plug to athird temperature that is between the first and second temperatures asto allow the primers to remain annealed to the genomic DNA and the DNApolymerase to elongate nucleic acid polymers originating from theannealed primers; (h) maintaining the third temperature for a firstlength of time; (i) repeating steps (e)-(h) at least once; and (j)detecting any resulting amplified products, wherein at least steps(c)-(j) occur within an apparatus of the invention. In anotherembodiment the method further comprises, after step (i) and before step(j), the steps of (1) repeating steps (e)-(g); (2) maintaining the thirdtemperature for a length of time equal to about 40-60% of the firstlength of time; and (3) cooling the at least one sample plug to a fourthtemperature lower than or equal to that of the second temperature toallow formation of higher-order structures containing intercalators. Inanother embodiment of the invention, the detecting step of step (i)occurs at one temperature. In another embodiment of the invention, thedetecting step of step (i) occurs at a range of temperatures. In anotherembodiment of the invention, the method further comprises a last step ofselecting a DNA sample plug for further analysis, wherein the step ofselecting occurs at a valve within an apparatus of the invention. One ofskill in the art will recognize the detecting step in the embodimentsdescribed above will result in screening, quantification,identification, and/or optionally selection for further analysis of DNAthat is present in the sample.

The invention thus provides a method of using an apparatus of theinvention to screen a sample supply for contamination, comprising thesteps of continuously aspirating sample droplets from the sample supplyinto at least one microfluidic inline reaction channel, forming sampleplugs by mixing each sample droplet with a primer plug, amplifying DNAin sample plugs comprising genomic material, and detecting the absenceor presence of amplified DNA products, wherein the steps occur in anapparatus of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, thecontinued absence of amplified DNA products (i.e., zero-detection) isindicative of a clean sample supply. In contrast, the presence ofamplified products is indicative of a contaminated sample supply.

The invention also provides a method of identifying an organism using anapparatus of the invention, the method comprising the steps of (a)preparing at least one DNA sample droplet comprising a DNA moleculeisolated from the organism, (b) acquiring the at least one DNA sampledroplet from the sample into at least one microfluidic reaction channel,(c) forming at least one DNA sample plug by mixing the at least one DNAsample droplet with a primer plug, wherein the primer plug comprises atleast one known first primer, (d) subjecting the at least one DNA sampleplug to at least one amplification cycle such that the at least one DNAsample plug has detectable amplified DNA products, (e) detectingamplified DNA products, (f) identifying the organism based on thedetection of amplified DNA products, and (g) optionally repeating steps(a)-(f) with amplification reagents comprising a known primer that isdifferent than the first known primer to increase the accuracy of theidentification of the organism, wherein steps (b)-(e) occur within anapparatus of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, thedetection of amplified DNA products provides the identification of theorganism from which the DNA was isolated because the primer was chosento confirm the identity of an organism, e.g., a specific TAQMAN® primerthat specifically binds to the genomic DNA of a particular organism maybe chosen such that detection of amplified products using the method(s)described above confirms the identity of the organism. In anotherembodiment, waveform primers or SGP primers of the invention are usedand the detected waveform profile provides the identity of the organism.

The invention also provides a method of quantifying the level ofcontamination in a sample supply, i.e., the concentration of genomicmaterial in a sample. The quantification method of the invention usingan apparatus of the invention comprises the steps of (a) diluting thesample using dilution factors such that the concentration of the genomicmaterial is at most approximately one molecule per sample droplet, (b)acquiring sample droplets from the sample into at least one microfluidicinline reaction channel, (c) forming at least one sample plug by mixingeach sample droplet with a primer plug, (d) subjecting each sample plugto amplification cycles such that each sample plug comprising a DNAmolecule has detectable amplified DNA products, and each sample plug notcomprising a DNA molecule will not have amplified DNA products, (e)detecting the absence or presence of amplified DNA products in eachsample plug, (f) determining the ratio of sample plugs comprisingamplified products to sample plugs resulting in zero-detection, and (g)using the dilution factor to calculate the original concentration ofcontaminating DNA in the sample, wherein at least steps (b)-(e) occur inan apparatus of the invention.

Sequencing analysis of genomic material is a definitive method ofclassifying an organism. As such, it is another object of the inventionto provide a method of using an apparatus of the invention to allow forgenomic material be further analyzed, e.g., such that detailed sequenceinformation regarding genomic material that has been analyzed using anyof the methods of the invention described above may be provided.Consequently, the invention provides a method in which a DNA sample plugthat has traversed through a reagent assembly area, an amplificationarea, and/or a detection area of a microfluidic device of the inventionmay be optionally selected for further sequencing analysis. Theselection process will occur at the “valve” of a microfluidic device ofthe invention. Upon selection, the valve of a microfluidic device of theinvention will allow the selected DNA sample plug(s) to proceed to adevice for sequencing, e.g., a DNA sequencing chip.

In another embodiment, the invention provides the methods of theinvention further comprising a step wherein the sample plug(s) issurrounded by an immiscible nonaqueous fluid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Diagram delineating the path a sample droplet as it is (A)prepared (e.g., filtered, extracted, diluted, etc.), aspirated into amicrofluidic inline reaction channel of a microfluidic device of theinvention, mixed with amplification reagents to form a sample plug inthe reagent assembly area of the device, and (B) is amplified within theamplification area of the microfluidic device, i.e., a firsttemperature-controlled area.

FIG. 2: Diagram delineating the path of a sample plug in a microfluidicinline reaction channel after it has passed a firsttemperature-controlled area of a microfluidic device of the invention(FIG. 1B) and is (A) passed through a detection area, i.e., the secondtemperature-controlled area, of a device of the invention and subjectedto at least a first and second temperature and (B) selected as waste orfor further analysis.

FIG. 3: Flow diagram (FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C) delineating the steps of,and nucleic acid polymers resulting from, a waveform profiling methodand Single Genome Profiling method.

FIG. 4: Nucleotide sequence of a theoretical genomic DNA.

FIG. 5: The genomic DNA of FIG. 4 depicted denatured into twosingle-stranded genomic DNA templates (FIGS. 5A and 5B), with thetheoretical primer annealed to primer binding sites on each of thedenatured single-stranded genomic DNA templates, and arrows depictingregions of each genomic DNA from which SGP nucleic acid polymers will bederived.

FIG. 6: Sequences of each of the SGP nucleic acid polymers to begenerated using the genomic DNA and primer of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7: Sequences of each of the SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers to begenerated after mPCR amplification of the SGP nucleic acid polymers ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 8: Sequences of the SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers (not underlined)and shortened SGP nucleic acid polymers (underlined) to be generatedafter the SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers of FIG. 7 are subjected to ahalf-time elongation step.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus comprising microfluidicdevices and instruments that control the fluid movement within, heatingand cooling of, and data acquisition from such devices. An apparatus ofthe invention may be used as an automated inline platform capable ofpreparing (e.g., isolating, processing, mixing with reaction reagents,etc.), amplifying (e.g., by either or both methods of PCR and waveformprofiling), detecting (i.e., screening for, quantifying, identifying)and/or optionally selecting for further analysis (e.g., sequencing)genomic material from an organism for the purposes of detecting and/orclassifying an organism(s) in a sample.

Additionally the invention provides improvements to a method of waveformprofiling such that the apparatus of the invention and methods usedtherewith may be performed on a small starting amount of DNA. Theimprovements to the waveform profiling method include improved primersthat effectuate a modified version of PCR, i.e., exponentialamplification of DNA. The improvements to the waveform profiling methodalso include a half-time elongation step in the amplification procedurethat allows for the production of a set of shortened single-strandednucleic acid polymers derived from a subset of the nucleic acid polymersformed by the modified version of PCR (i.e., mPCR). Those skilled in theart will recognize that the improvements to the waveform profilingmethod allow for the detection and/or classification of an organism,even if the organism is present in a small number, e.g., the number oforganisms present in a sample at the onset of contamination of a watersupply. The present invention thus provides an improved waveformprofiling method that will aid in providing quality assurance related tomany sources (e.g., environmental and medical) that may becomecontaminated with organisms, including, but not limited to, air, dust,water, blood, tissues, plants, and foodstuffs.

Additionally, the present invention provides methods of using thedisclosed apparatus to prepare (e.g., isolate, process, mix withreaction reagents, etc.), amplify (e.g., by PCR, waveform profiling,etc.), detect (e.g., screen for, identify, quantify), and/or optionallyselect for further analysis (e.g., sequence) the DNA of an organism. Inone embodiment, the invention provides a method for high throughputautomated inline waveform profiling, whereby methods of waveformprofiling, e.g., the improved method disclosed herein, are performedwith the automated inline waveform profiling platform as disclosedherein. One of skill in the art will recognize that the presentinvention includes amplification and detection of a single genome, or asmall number of genomes.

I. Automated Inline Platform of the Invention

Over the last few years, automated inline PCR platforms as describedabove have been developed to be compatible with a variety of existingfluorescent “mix-and-read” biochemistries such as TAQMAN®, MolecularBeacons, Epoch Eclipse Probes, and Allele Specific Amplification. Todate no known automated inline platform developed for use with PCR isalso capable of being used with waveform profiling. Additionally, noknown automated inline platform allows for the selection of previouslyanalyzed genomic material for further analysis, e.g., sequence analysisof a DNA sample after amplification of the sample. The present inventionprovides such a platform. An automated inline platform of the invention,i.e., an apparatus comprising a microfluidic device capable of producingand detecting DNA products amplified by either or both PCR and waveformprofiling methods and an instrument capable of controlling the fluidmovement within, heating and cooling of, and data acquisition from sucha device, is described below. In addition, the apparatus may furthercomprise a cartridge (or a similar device, or a device that accomplishesa similar function) that interfaces between the instrument and amicrofluidic device of the invention; such cartridges are well known inthe art.

A. Microfluidic Devices of the Invention

FIGS. 1 and 2 provide a schematic of a device of the invention anddelineate the processes of sample plug preparation (FIG. 1A),amplification (FIG. 1B), detection (FIG. 2A) and selection (FIG. 2B),which may be commonly used for several different purposes, e.g.,screening for, identifying, quantifying and/or further analyzing, e.g.,sequencing, genomic DNA.

1. Preparing a Sample Plug

FIG. 1A delineates the process of preparing a sample plug. Briefly, asample to be tested from sample containers (1) is sent to a filteringapparatus (2) for the collection of organic cells and the removal ofsundries. Organic cells collected in sample liquid may be sent to anextractor apparatus (3) for the isolation of, e.g., viral, bacterial,etc., genomic material (e.g., removal of cell membranes, organelles,histones, debris, etc.). After isolation of the genomic material, thesample liquid and any isolated genomic material may be sent to aconcentration adjuster (4) to adjust the concentration of the genomicmaterial. The sample liquid from the concentration adjuster (4) isaspirated into a microfluidic inline reaction channel (5) and mixed withcarrier liquid (6) at, e.g., a T-shaped junction (7) to form sampledroplets (8) that may or may not comprise genomic material, e.g., atleast one genomic DNA molecule.

As part of the sample plug preparation process, a primer apparatus (9)produces a series of primer plugs in carrier liquid comprising reagentsrequired for DNA amplification and optionally detection. Each primerplug is combined with a sample droplet (8) at another junction, e.g., aT-shaped junction (10) to form a sample plug and complete the sampleplug preparation process.

One of skill in the art will recognize that many types of samples may betested using an automated inline platform of the invention. Such samplesinclude, but are not limited to water, air, dust, food, and biologicalsamples, including body fluids (e.g., saliva, whole blood, plasma,urine, etc.), cells (e.g., whole cells, cell fractions, and cellextracts), and tissues. Biological samples also include sections oftissue such as biopsies and frozen sections taken for histologicalpurposes. Preferred biological samples include blood, plasma, lymph,tissue biopsies, urine, CSF (cerebrospinal fluid), synovial fluid, andBAL (bronchoalveolar lavage).

The sample to be tested may be collected in a number of ways. Forexample, in the case of monitoring the purity of a water supply, afiltration system running parallel to the water supply can be checked atsome determined interval (every hour, every 12 hours, etc.) by isolatingany genomic material from a filter designed to capture bacteria, etc.Such a filtration system will concentrate the bacteria present in thewater supply for more sensitive detection. Alternatively, samples may betaken directly from the water supply without filtration and/orconcentration. Regarding other sources of samples, an air filtrationsystem that captures, for example, bacteria may be employed; thematerial captured on such a filter would be placed in a solution tobegin the isolation procedure. For other types of samples, additionalsteps will be necessary; for example, part of the initial procedureinvolved in using the present invention to detect bacteria in a bloodsample would require separation of the bacteria from human bloodcomponents containing genomic material. Many techniques for isolatingbacterial and/or viral genomic material from these exemplary samples andmany others are well known in the art.

Isolation of any genomic material contained in a sample can beaccomplished through a large number of techniques known to one of skillin the art. The isolation procedure should be a technique with a highcapability for isolating and capturing genomic material, because in anembodiment of the invention, a sample plug comprising no genomicmaterial is distinguished from a sample plug comprising as little as onegenome. The full DNA genome from bacteria present in a water sample maybe isolated using technologies well known in the art (e.g., one such setof technologies is available from Xtrana, Inc. (Broomfield, Colo.)).

Xtrana has developed different technologies for the following three setsof samples: (A) genomic DNA from whole blood, buffy coat, buccal swabs,and the bacteria E. coli; (B) RNA from tissue culture cells; and (C)genomic DNA from tissue culture cells, rodent tails, whole tissue, bloodstains, and yeast. Briefly, the addition to the sample of plasticmicrobeads coated with XtraBind (Xtrana, Inc.), an electropositive,hydrophilic matrix, results in the adsorption of either RNA or DNA in amanner that is not sequence dependent and is essentially irreversible.One of skill in the art will recognize that since the methods hereindescribe DNA amplification processes, if the genomic material isolatedis RNA, it must first be reverse transcribed into DNA, e.g., cDNA, priorto amplification. Methods of reverse transcription are well known in theart. In a preferred embodiment, the entire genomic DNA of an organism isisolated.

Other technologies available for the isolation of genomic DNA includetechnologies from Qiagen NA (Qiagen, Venlo, Netherlands); MagNAPure(Roche, Nutley, N.J.); KingFisher (Thermo Labsystems, Helsinki,Finland); and RevPrep Orbit (GeneMachines, San Carlos, Calif.).

Once the genomic DNA is isolated from a sample, its concentration withinthe sample liquid may be adjusted. In one embodiment of the invention,the concentration is adjusted such that a sample droplet comprises onlyone genomic DNA molecule (i.e., the genomic material from only oneorganism) or no genomic material. In another embodiment, theconcentration may be about 0.5 DNA molecules per sample droplet.Alternatively, concentration may be expressed in terms of the percentprobability that a sample droplet will comprise more than one DNAmolecule. In another embodiment, the probability that a sample dropletwill comprise two or more DNA molecules is, e.g., less than threepercent.

Upon adjusting the concentration of genomic material from the sample,the sample liquid is repeatedly aspirated into a microfluidic inlinereaction channel to form successive sample droplets of carrier liquid.Preferably, each sample droplet is approximately 1-2 nl, or, e.g., about100 μm in length in a microfluidic inline reaction channel that isapproximately 100 μm in diameter. These repetitive sample droplets mayor may not comprise genomic material (e.g., genomic DNA); and may alsobe considered DNA sample droplets if they do comprise genomic material.Additionally, sample droplets may comprise any beads used in theisolation procedure, e.g., Xtrana beads. Alternatively, any beads usedin the isolation procedure may be removed prior to aspiration of thesample droplet.

Generally, a microfluidic inline reaction channel may be 50 μm to 300 μmin diameter, and is typically 100 μm in diameter. A microfluidic inlinereaction channel may be formed in glass, quartz or plastic. Methods offorming microfluidic inline reaction channels are well known in the art.Additionally, a skilled artisan will recognize that a microfluidicinline reaction channel may take many different paths, e.g., it may bestraight, may form a joint or union with another microfluidic inlinereaction channel at a confluent junction, may separate into two or moremicrofluidic inline reaction channels at a separate junction, may allowthe fluid within it to pool and/or mix, etc., and may be formed withdifferent materials depending on the area of the device, e.g., may beformed with transparent material when it is within the detection area ofa microfluidic device.

Generally, carrier liquid (6) is a water-based liquid that is the sameliquid as the sample liquid. Additionally, the carrier liquid may be anorganic-based liquid, e.g., silicon oil of about 60 poise, or some otherimmiscible nonaqueous fluid. In one embodiment of the invention,repetitive sample droplets are aspirated into a microfluidic inlinereaction channel and buffer spacers separate the sample droplets. In apreferred embodiment, an immiscible nonaqueous fluid (e.g., mineral oil)or some other hydrophobic substance is used as a buffer spacer, and isadded to each, or between each, sample droplet being drawn by the sipperin order to surround and separate each sample droplet comprising DNA (orfree of DNA) from the preceding or following sample droplet as theytravel through a microfluidic inline reaction channel of the invention.Mineral oil is known to those of skill in the art as an appropriatesubstance for separating repetitive DNA samples. In addition, the innerwall of the microfluidic channels of a microfluidic device of theinvention may be treated with an immiscible nonaqueous fluid (e.g.,mineral oil) or some other hydrophobic material. This set ofimprovements with hydrophobicity will decrease or preventcross-contamination between sample droplets. In other words, despite themovement inherent in microfluidics, the hydrophobic/hydrophilicdifference between the carrier liquid and buffer spacer enables a singleDNA molecule to be kept in the droplet (8) or plug during its movementalong a microfluidic inline reaction channel without mixing with thebuffer space, or with adjacent droplets or plugs.

In a microfluidic device of the invention, each sample droplet isfurther prepared at a junction, e.g., a T-shaped junction (10) to form asample plug by being mixed with a primer plug comprising amplificationreagents (e.g., primer(s), nucleotides, polymerase, etc.) and optionallydetection reagents (e.g., detectable agents, e.g., labels, fluorescentprobes, intercalators, etc.). A skilled artisan will recognize whichamplification reagents should be mixed with each sample droplet and atwhat concentrations the reagents should be used. For example,amplification reagents typically include a polymerase, dNTPs, magnesium,buffer, and a primer or a pair of primers. One of skill in the art willalso be able to determine the primer or primer pair to be used; e.g., ifPCR is described, a skilled artisan will know to use a primer pair. Incontrast, if the artisan wishes to perform waveform-profiling analysis,a waveform or SGP primer will be chosen. The design and selection ofsuch primers are well known in the art. Additionally, detection reagentsand methods of using such reagents to directly or indirectly labelamplified DNA products are well known.

After a sample droplet has been aspirated into a microfluidic inlinereaction channel, separated from other sample droplets to preventcross-contamination, and mixed with amplification reagents to form asample plug, it is drawn along the microfluidic inline reaction channelinto an amplification area of a device of the invention, i.e., a firsttemperature-controlled area. A skilled artisan will recognize thatsimilar to a sample droplet, a sample plug may or may not comprisegenomic material, and may also be considered a DNA sample plug if itdoes comprise genomic material. Additionally, a skilled artisan willrecognize that only DNA sample plugs will comprise DNA that will beamplified within a first temperature-controlled area of a device of theinvention.

2. Amplifying DNA in DNA Sample Plugs

FIG. 1B provides a nonlimiting example of how a device of the inventionmay effectuate amplification of DNA that may be present in a sample plugafter it has been prepared as described above. As sample plugs (whichcomprise sample droplets combined with primer plugs) are continuouslydrawn along an inline microfluidic reaction channel (5), they areintroduced to an amplification area, i.e., a firsttemperature-controlled area, which may be, e.g., a thermal control plate(11). The path (12) of the microfluidic inline reaction channel may besuch that it allows each sample plug to move in a winding andreciprocated way between low temperature areas (13) and high temperatureareas (14) of the thermal control plate (11).

A skilled artisan will recognize that 1) the temperatures of the lowtemperature areas (13), the high temperature areas (14), and areasbetween the low and high temperature areas, 2) the path (12) of amicrofluidic inline reaction channel, and 3) the speed with which asample plug moves though a microfluidic inline reaction channel, may beappropriately adjusted according to the chosen amplification method. Forexample, the low temperature area (13) may be set to a temperatureappropriate to effectuate annealing and the high temperature area (14)may be set to a temperature to effectuate denaturing. Additionally, thepath (12) of a microfluidic inline reaction channel may be designed toallow a sample plug to move in a reciprocated way between the lowtemperature and high temperature areas to effectuate, e.g.,approximately 20 to 40 cycles of denaturation, annealing, andelongation. Finally, the speed with which a sample plug (or DNA sampleplug) flows through a microfluidic inline reaction channel may be set toallow each sample plug (or DNA sample plug) to remain at a denaturing,annealing, or elongating temperature for an appropriate length of time.

As previously described, each microfluidic inline reaction channel, orportions thereof, may also be rapidly heated and cooled in a localizedand/or repeated manner such that the denaturing, annealing, andelongation steps of an amplification method (e.g., PCR, waveformprofiling, SGP (described in detail herein)), are executed as a sampleplug moves along a microfluidic inline reaction channel and through afirst temperature-controlled area of a device of the invention. Forexample, Joule heating (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,965,410 and6,670,153) may be used to apply voltage to metal traces along side orcrisscrossed with each microfluidic inline reaction channel of a deviceof the invention. Alternative methods of heating microfluidic inlinereaction channels, e.g., use of hot water, air, etc., are well known inthe art. Additionally, cooling of a microfluidic inline reactionchannel, or portions thereof, may be achieved through the use of coolingfluid that travels through a coil to carry away thermal energy, or byallowing rapid heat dissipation. Similarly to methods of heating,alternative methods of cooling microfluidic inline reaction channels arewell known.

One of skill in the art will recognize the temperatures, the length oftime at such temperatures, and the number of cycles to which a DNAsample plug must be subject to effectuate amplification of DNA for thedifferent methods of using an apparatus of the invention e.g.,screening, identification, quantification, etc. For example, in apreferred embodiment, denaturing temperatures are between 90° C. and 95°C., annealing temperatures are between 55° C. and 65° C., and elongationtemperatures are dependent on the polymerase chosen (e.g., the optimalelongation temperature is about 72° C. for Taq polymerase). Also, askilled artisan will recognize that that “hot starts” often begin PCRamplification methods, and that a final incubation of a DNA sample plugat 75° C. may optionally be added to the end of any amplificationmethod.

A sample plug may be moved through a microfluidic inline reactionchannel at different speeds ranging between 50 μm per second to 5000 μmper second, e.g., 500 μm per second. A skilled artisan will recognizethat varying the speed with which a sample plug moves through amicrofluidic inline reaction channel may effectuate the duration of timea sample plug remains at a certain temperature (e.g., temperaturesrequired for denaturing, annealing, elongation, etc.). For example,although a typical cycling profile is ˜94° for 1 min., 60° for 1 min.,72° for 1 min. (a typical rule for a 72° C. elongation is 1 minute foreach 1000 base pairs being amplified), etc., a skilled artisan willrecognize that the duration of time a sample plug remains at a certaintemperature is dependent on the volume of the reaction, theconcentration of the genomic DNA, etc., and consequently, the timing maydiffer from the typical cycling profile when using a microfluidic deviceof the invention. A skilled artisan will recognize that shorterdurations at each temperature may be sufficient. Additionally, a skilledartisan will be able to determine the appropriate path required of amicrofluidic inline reaction channel to effectuate the number ofamplification cycles required.

After a sample droplet has been prepared, aspirated into a microfluidicinline reaction channel, separated from other sample plugs to preventcross-contamination, mixed with amplification reagents to form sampleplugs, and the DNA within DNA sample plugs amplified, each sample plugis driven along the microfluidic inline reaction channel into adetection area of the device, which may also be a secondtemperature-controlled area. A skilled artisan will recognize that onlyDNA sample plugs will comprise detectable amplified DNA products.

3. Detecting the Absence or Presence of Amplified DNA Products

A microfluidic device of the invention is designed to (1) allow DNA tobe aspirated as a sample droplet(s) into a microfluidic inline reactionchannel, (2) form sample plugs in a reagent assembly area by mixingsample droplets with primer plugs comprising amplification reactioncomponents and/or detection components, (3) effectuate the amplificationof DNA as a DNA sample plug is advanced along the microfluidic inlinereaction channel through an amplification area, i.e., a firsttemperature-controlled area, and (4) allow for the detection ofamplified DNA products as the DNA sample plug passes through thedetection area. Additionally, a microfluidic device of the presentinvention is designed with at least one of two innovations.

One novel aspect of a microfluidic device of the invention comprisesplacing a microfluidic inline reaction channel passing through adetection area within a second temperature-controlled area. Placement ofa microfluidic inline reaction channel passing through the detectionarea within a second temperature-controlled area will allow sample plugstraveling along the microfluidic inline reaction channel to be subjectto a temperature sweep during detection. One of skill in the art willrecognize that detecting sample plugs as they are subject to atemperature sweep, e.g., detecting the fluorescence of a DNA sample plugat different temperatures, allows for melting temperature analysis of,e.g., amplified DNA products. As such, the invention provides amicrofluidic device, comprising at least one sipper; at least one fluidreservoir connected to at least one microfluidic inline reactionchannel, wherein the at least one microfluidic inline reaction channelruns through a reagent assembly area, an amplification area within afirst temperature-controlled area, and a detection area within a secondtemperature-controlled area; and at least one metal trace for heating ofand/or fluid movement within the microfluidic inline reaction channel,wherein detection of amplified DNA products may occur at more than onetemperature.

FIG. 2A provides an example of a detection area of a microfluidic deviceof the invention. As a sample plug with no amplified DNA or a sampleplug with amplified DNA is drawn along a microfluidic inline reactionchannel (5, as in FIG. 1), it is introduced into a detection area, i.e.,a second temperature-controlled area, which may be, e.g., a secondthermal control plate (16). A microfluidic inline reaction channel mayhave a detection path (17) that allows the detection of the absence orthe presence of amplified DNA in sample plugs, as the sample plugs movebetween lower temperature areas (18) and higher temperature areas (19).As sample plugs traverse through an optical scanning area (20), anydetectable reagent (e.g., fluorescent probes, intercalators, etc.) maybe optically excited, e.g., with three-color laser beams, and anyresulting emissions may be measured.

Generally, the lower temperature areas (18) of the detection area may beset to temperatures ranging between about 25° C. to about 65° C. Thehigher temperature areas (19) of the detection area may be set totemperatures ranging between about 55° C. to about 95° C. In the casethat PCR amplified DNA is to be detected, the lower temperature areas(18) and higher temperature areas (19) of the detection area (16) may beset to one temperature, e.g., between about 25° C. to about 55° C.

The various instruments that may be used to regulate the temperatures inthe detection area, excite detectable reagents in DNA sample plugs, anddetect emissions, or a change in emissions, are well known in the art.For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the temperature may bemeasured with, e.g., an infrared charge-coupled device (CCD) (not shown)covering the optical scanning area (20), or a larger or smaller scanningarea. In a preferred embodiment, placement of precise temperaturesensors on the second thermal control plate to calibrate the infraredCCD is recommended to increase the accuracy of temperature measurements.

A skilled artisan will recognize that subjecting a sample plug (e.g., aDNA sample plug) to a temperature sweep in the detection area willenable detection of a waveform profile that results from a waveformprofiling method, e.g., a method as described above, the SGP method asdescribed herein, etc. In other words, as sample plugs traverse betweentemperatures, a correlation between any resulting emissions and thetemperature of a sample plug may be determined. Additionally, PCRamplified DNA may also be detected as DNA sample plugs are subject to atemperature sweep, although the emissions need only be detected at onetemperature. Alternatively, the lower temperature areas and highertemperature areas may be set to one temperature for the detection ofPCR-amplified DNA.

As described above, an optical system in the detection stage (not shownin FIG. 2A) may be used to detect the change in emissions from amplifiedDNA, e.g., higher order structures, as the amplified DNA is subject to atemperature sweep. In other words, the optical system in the detectionarea may be used to measure, detect, and determine the waveform profileof isolated DNA. Detection of any waveform profile may indicate that thescreened sample is contaminated, and subsequent comparison of theresulting waveform profile with a database of waveform profiles producedwith a known primer and DNA isolated from a known organism may identifythe contaminating organism. Additionally, if isolated genomic materialwas concentrated within the sample liquid, and the concentration known,the level of contamination may be quantified upon detection of thewaveform profile.

A skilled artisan will recognize that use of a device of the inventionfor the preparation of genomic material, amplification of the isolatedgenomic material via a waveform profiling method, and detection of theresulting waveform profile is best utilized when little to noinformation is known regarding whether a sample is contaminated and/orwhat organism is contaminating a sample. One of skill in the art willalso recognize that the identity of an organism (e.g., obtained from awaveform profile) may be further confirmed using a microfluidic deviceof the invention to isolate genomic material, amplify isolated genomicmaterial via PCR, and detect the resulting PCR product(s). In oneembodiment of the invention, the identification of the organism isfurther narrowed by forming several DNA sample droplets from the sameorganism, combining each DNA sample plug with a different primer chosenspecifically to confirm the identity of an organism, amplifying each DNAsample droplet with a different primer (or set of primers) via PCR, anddetecting the absence or presence of amplified products. Correlating thepresence of amplified products with the particular primer(s) used mayprovide the identity of the organism.

As described above, screening for the presence of an organism,identifying the organism, and/or quantifying the concentration of theorganism in a sample may be performed via waveform profiling and/or PCRusing a microfluidic device of the invention comprising at least onesipper; at least one fluid reservoir connected to at least onemicrofluidic inline reaction channel, wherein the microfluidic inlinereaction channel runs though a reagent assembly area, an amplificationarea within a first temperature-controlled area, and a detection areawithin a second temperature-controlled area; and at least one metaltrace for heating of and/or fluid movement within the microfluidicinline reaction channel. When a more detailed examination of isolatedgenomic material is required, a microfluidic device of the invention maybe used to select a DNA sample plug of interest for further analysis.

4. Selection of a DNA Sample Plug for Further Analysis

Although conventional DNA chips are used for many methods of DNAanalysis, especially sequence analysis, because of their highflexibility and high performance, their high cost is a deterrent fortheir use in methods of screening and identifying a contaminatingorganism because there is a low probability of contamination in, e.g., awater supply, and consequently of isolating genomic material.Additionally, use of a DNA chip for quantification purposes is notcost-efficient because the accuracy of such quantification is notsufficient when there are multiple contaminating organisms or afterexponential amplification with PCR. An apparatus of the invention solvesthese problems because it provides a cost-effective microfluidic devicethat may be used to screen a sample for contamination by an organism, toidentify contaminating organisms (if any), and to quantify the level ofcontamination (for example, when using a microfluidic device of theinvention, mere detection of amplified DNA in a DNA sample plugindicates the presence of a contaminating organism, analysis of theamplified DNA may provide the identification of the contaminatingorganism, and determining the ratio between the number of sample plugswith no amplified DNA to the number of DNA sample plugs with amplifiedDNA may provide the concentration of the contaminating organism withinthe sample, respectively). A skilled artisan will recognize that theaccuracy of a device of the invention is several times that of a DNAchip, because a device of the invention uses a digital quantificationmethod.

However, the sequencing capabilities of, e.g., DNA chips, may be moreaccurate than the sequencing capabilities that a microfluidic device ofthe invention may have, e.g., via detection of a waveform profile.Consequently, a microfluidic device of the invention may also be used toselect a DNA sample plug of interest for further examination, e.g.,sequencing analysis, e.g., using a DNA chip.

In one embodiment, a novel microfluidic device of the inventioncomprises a valve placed into a microfluidic inline reaction channel(s),wherein the valve is downstream of the detection area, such that if aDNA sample plug is selected for further analysis, e.g., sequencinganalysis, the valve switches the flow within the microfluidic inlinereaction channel and allows the DNA sample plug to flow away from, e.g.,a waste well, and toward, e.g., a DNA sequencing chip. As such, theinvention provides a microfluidic device comprising at least one sipper;at least at least one fluid reservoir connected to at least onemicrofluidic inline reaction channel, wherein the microfluidic inlinereaction channel runs through a reagent assembly area, an amplificationarea, and a detection area, and wherein the microfluidic inline reactionchannel further comprises a valve downstream of the detection area; andat least one metal trace for heating of and/or fluid movement within themicrofluidic inline reaction channel.

FIG. 2B provides a nonlimiting schematic of how a sample plug (e.g., aDNA sample plug) is selected for further analysis. Sample plugs (21)move along a microfluidic inline reaction channel until they reach aselection valve (22) at a junction, e.g., a T-shaped junction. Based ondata collected from the detection area of a microfluidic device of theinvention (FIG. 2A), or based on other data, a DNA sample plug ofinterest (23) is selected for further analysis using, e.g., a DNA chip(24).

In one embodiment of the invention, a microfluidic device may haveeither or both 1) the detection area as a second temperature-controlledarea, and 2) at least one microfluidic reaction inline reaction channelcomprising a valve downstream of the detection area. As such, theinvention also provides a microfluidic device comprising at least onesipper; at least one fluid reservoir connected to at least onemicrofluidic inline reaction channel, wherein the at least onemicrofluidic inline reaction channel runs through a reagent assemblyarea, an amplification area within a first temperature-controlled area,and a detection area of the body structure; and at least one metal tracefor heating of and/or fluid movement within the microfluidic inlinereaction channel, wherein detection of amplified DNA products may occurat more than one temperature, and wherein the at least one microfluidicinline reaction channel further comprises a valve downstream of thedetection area of the body structure.

5. Manufacturing a Microfluidic Device of the Invention

The microfluidic devices of the invention may be manufactured by methodswell known in the art; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,500,323 and5,882,465. Briefly, in designing the microfluidic devices of theinvention, a driving force for moving the fluid sample plug(s) (e.g., aDNA sample plug(s)) through at least one microfluidic channel should bechosen, reaction parameters should be identified, and a channel networkshould be designed. Each of these steps is briefly outlined below.

As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,323, a typical driving force formicrofluidic systems, such as the automatic inline platform of theinvention, is selected from pressure-based fluid transport systems,electrokinetic material transport systems, or hybrids of the two. Use ofpressure-based systems is described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,323;International Patent Application No. PCT/US98/20195; and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/245,627, filed Feb. 5, 1999, each of which isincorporated herein by reference. Use of electrokinetic forces to movefluids in a controlled fashion, and systems for carrying out suchmovement, are described in detail in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,800,690 and5,779,868, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. An exampleof a hybrid system is described in, e.g., International PatentApplication PCT/US98/20195. Although any one of the three systems may beused with the apparatus of the invention, it is preferred that the fluidbe moved using a hybrid system.

As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,323, reaction parameters, e.g.,reaction reagents, reagent concentrations, reagent volumes, reactiontimes, and reaction temperature profiles, are important considerationsto take into account when designing a microfluidic device of theinvention. Since PCR and waveform profiling are well-known methods,their reaction parameters, e.g., reaction reagents, reagentconcentrations, reaction times, temperature profiles, etc., are wellestablished and, as such, easily accounted for in designing the channelnetworks of the microfluidic devices of the invention. For example, amicrofluidic device designed for use with only PCR is detailed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,670,153, incorporated herein by reference. The design of thedevice described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,670,153 takes into consideration thereaction steps of PCR, i.e., denaturing, annealing, elongation, and “hotstart.” Because these steps are well defined for DNA amplificationprocesses, including waveform profiling methods, e.g., the waveformprofiling method described above, one of skill in the art will recognizethat a microfluidic device of the invention may resemble that describedin, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,670,153, with the exception of one or bothnovel differences described above; i.e., placing any microfluidicreaction channel within the detection area within a secondtemperature-controlled area, thus allowing for detection of waveformprofiles, and/or incorporating into at least one microfluidic reactionchannel a valve that is downstream of the detection area, but upstreamof the waste well. Additionally, one of skill in the art will be able todesign a microfluidic device of the invention based on the reactionparameters of the SGP method described below.

As described above, the microfluidic devices of the invention may haveat least one valve incorporated in at least one microfluidic channel,e.g., a valve placed downstream of the detection area and upstream ofthe waste well. Such valve may be visualized as a “T” intersection,cross intersection, “wagon wheel” intersections of multiple channels, orany other channel geometry where two or more channels, e.g., are influid communication. The chosen driving force, as described above, maycontrollably direct sample plug(s) (e.g., DNA sample plugs) through thevalve by providing constraining flow from the other channels at theintersection. For example, in FIG. 2B, if a DNA sample plug (23) isselected for further analysis, it would be desirable for the DNA sampleplug (23) to travel from left to right to, e.g., a DNA chip (24), andacross and past the vertical channel leading to a waste well. Asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,675, incorporated herein by reference,an electrokinetic driving force may be used to direct the flow of theDNA sample plug by applying a voltage gradient across the length of thehorizontal channel and pinching the material flow at the intersection.Additionally, when the valve is turned off, i.e., there is no voltagegradient across the length of the horizontal channel, the DNA sampleplug travels from the left arm, through the intersection and into thebottom arm by, e.g., applying a voltage gradient across the verticalchannel and/or applying a vacuum to the waste well located at theterminus of the horizontal channel.

B. Instrument for Controlling the Fluid Movement within, Heating andCooling of, and Data Acquisition from a Microfluidic Device of theInvention

Controlling devices (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) such as pumps, valves,sample plug (or DNA sample plug) position detectors, and a controlcomputer may be used to control the movement and the timing of eachsample plug and/or DNA sample plug to effectuate the above-mentionedprocesses. Such controlling devices are well known to those skilled inthe art.

Instruments of the invention will include the capacity to establish,monitor, and control a second temperature-controlled area (for atemperature sweep) within the detection area of a microfluidic device ofthe invention. This will be accomplished by installing atemperature-controlled area, e.g., a fixed temperature gradient, similarto the heating region described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,670,153, inthe detection area of a microfluidic device of the invention, whichenables the detection of amplified DNA products as they are subjected toa temperature gradient and enables the translation of such detectioninto a positive signal, a zero-detection, or a waveform profile. Thismodified system will be able to detect DNA products amplified by eitheror both PCR (e.g., TAQMAN®) and waveform profiling amplificationmethods. During TAQMAN® reactions, the temperature gradient in thedetection area may be set to zero (so there will be a constanttemperature in the detection area).

A skilled artisan will recognize well-known technology for controllingthe fluid movement, heating and cooling of, and data acquisition from amicrofluidic device of the invention, and thus, will be able to createsuch an instrument without undue experimentation.

II. Single Genome Profiling

Single Genome Profiling (SGP) permits analyzing and profiling genomicDNA from an organism, even if the organism is present in a small number,by providing improvements to waveform profiling methods. Theseimprovements include novel primers, (“SGP primers”) and a modifiedversion of polymerase chain reaction (mPCR). SGP additionally provides afinal “half-time elongation step.” These improvements permit SGP (i.e.,methods using SGP primers, mPCR, and a half-time elongation step) toresult in the generation of distinct nucleic acid polymers (“SGP nucleicacid polymers”), each having a 5′-to-3′ nucleotide sequence comprisingthe sequence of the SGP primer followed by a sequence complementary toone of several distinct regions of a genomic DNA template. Inparticular, SGP utilizes generated SGP nucleic acid polymers, the SGPprimer, and mPCR to exponentially amplify “SGP-SGP nucleic acidpolymers,” each having a 5′-to-3′ nucleotide sequence comprising thesequence of the SGP primer, a sequence identical to the sequence of oneof several discrete regions of a genomic DNA template, followed by thereverse complement of the SGP primer. After exponential amplification ofSGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers, SGP introduces a novel half-timeelongation step to generate shortened versions of SGP nucleic acidpolymers, i.e., “shortened SGP nucleic acid polymers,” that will formhigher-order structures. Since the genomic DNA of the organism is usedas the initial template, SGP nucleic acid polymers and SGP-SGP nucleicacid polymers will contain sequences unique to the organism. For thesame reason, and because the resulting SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers areused for the generation of shortened SGP nucleic acid polymers duringthe half-time elongation step, single-stranded shortened SGP nucleicacid polymers will contain sequences unique to the organism. As such, inSGP, the single-stranded shortened nucleic acid polymers formhigher-order structures based on the sequences unique to the organism.Accordingly, the set of higher-order structures formed by thesingle-stranded shortened nucleic acid polymers are unique to theorganism. Consequently, detection of the different higher-orderstructures that are formed enables detecting and/or identifying theorganism; such detection can be accomplished using, for example,fluorescent intercalators.

A. Modified PCR (mPCR) of Single Genome Profiling

One of skill in the art will recognize that many SGP nucleic acidpolymers, and consequently, many SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers andshortened SGP nucleic acid polymers may be generated using the modifiedPCR (mPCR) of the invention. Because each of these polymers originatefrom and contain an SGP primer at the 5′-end, one of skill in the artwill recognize that many copies of the SGP primer must be added to asolution containing the genomic DNA of interest prior to the firstcycles of mPCR in SGP. One of skill in the art will also recognize thatthe materials and conditions of mPCR are similar to those of PCR. Forexample, the appropriate concentrations of, e.g., dNTPs and reactionbuffer, to add to PCR in addition to the primers and DNA templates arewell known to a skilled artisan, as is the appropriate concentration ofintercalators. The concentrations and amounts of SGP primer, nucleotides(i.e., dATP, dCTP, dTTP, and dGTP), DNA polymerase, reaction buffer,and/or magnesium that should be added prior to the first cycle of mPCRmay be determined readily by a skilled artisan.

SGP is capable of analyzing the genomic DNA of organisms present inextraordinarily small amounts because it includes the step of mPCR. Inone embodiment of the present invention, the genomic DNA of a singleorganism can provide the source template for a sufficient amount ofshortened single-stranded nucleic acid polymers and associatedhigher-order structures for detection. This is because the mPCR step ofSGP results in the exponential amplification of SGP-SGP nucleic acidpolymers by virtue of the ability of the SGP primer to bind to andamplify certain SGP nucleic acid polymers in a manner somewhat similarto conventional PCR. However, there are two salient differences ascompared with conventional PCR. First, the mPCR step utilizes only oneprimer, an SGP primer, which is capable of acting as both a forward andreverse primer. In contrast, conventional PCR uses two distinct primers:(1) a forward primer, and (2) a reverse primer that has a sequencedifferent from that of the forward primer.

Second, whereas conventional PCR utilizes two primers to amplify asingular region of the genomic DNA, mPCR uses one primer to amplifyseveral distinct regions of the genomic DNA, each of which are bracketedby a sequence identical to the SGP primer and a sequence complementaryto the SGP primer, i.e., an “SGP primer binding site.” The ability ofmPCR in SGP to amplify several distinct regions of the genomic DNA isdue to the use of one SGP primer that is capable of acting as a forwardand a reverse primer. This characteristic of the SGP primer is afunction of its length, which allows two key events to occur: (1)binding of SGP primers to several discrete SGP primer binding sites oneach single-stranded genomic DNA template, and (2) binding of SGPprimers to the SGP nucleic acid polymers (generated by at least onecycle of mPCR) that have a 5′-to-3′ nucleotide sequence comprising theSGP primer sequence and the reverse complement of the SGP primer withinits distinct nucleotide sequence. The presence of the reverse complementsequence within an SGP nucleic acid polymer and the subsequent bindingof the SGP primer permits a PCR-like (i.e., mPCR) exponentialamplification of several distinct double-stranded SGP-SGP nucleic acidpolymers, i.e., the exponential amplification of several distinctregions of double-stranded genomic DNA that are bracketed by SGP primerbinding sites.

SGP primers share some similar features with waveform primers, thelatter described in detail in, e.g., Japanese Patent ApplicationPublication Nos. 2003-334082 and 2003-180351. SGP primers are essentialto SGP, and are characterized by their length. The length of an SGPprimer is critical because the reduced length of the primer allows theprimer to specifically bind to several discrete sites along the lengthof each single-stranded genomic DNA template, and because the reducedlength also allows for the increased probability that SGP nucleic acidpolymers will have a 5′-to-3′ sequence comprising the reverse complementof the SGP primer sequence within its distinct nucleotide sequence.

The special characteristics of the SGP primer allow it to be used in theSGP method to result in the exponential, i.e., nonlinear, amplificationof SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers from certain SGP nucleic acid polymersduring each cycle of mPCR after the first cycle. The first cycle of mPCRin SGP consists of the following steps: 1) denaturing each copy of thegenomic DNA into two single-stranded genomic DNA templates, 2) annealingthe SGP primer to several discrete SGP primer binding sites on eachsingle-stranded genomic DNA template, and 3) elongating SGP nucleic acidpolymers from each of several SGP primers bound to discrete SGP primerbinding sites on each single-stranded genomic DNA template, wherein eachSGP nucleic acid polymer has a 5′-to-3′ nucleotide sequence comprisingthe bound SGP primer from which the SGP nucleic acid polymer iselongated, followed by a distinct nucleotide sequence that iscomplementary to the sequence of the genomic DNA template downstream ofthe bound SGP primer.

One of skill in the art will recognize that the “full-time” duration ofthe elongation step determines the length of the SGP nucleic acidpolymers, and thus, SGP nucleic acid polymers created in one cycle mayhave distinct nucleotide sequences, but may be approximately the samelength. For example, assuming the SGP primer is designed such that itwill anneal to 10³ sites along each single-stranded genomic DNAtemplate, and assuming that the timing of the elongation step isadjusted to produce SGP nucleic acid polymers of approximately 1 kb inlength, one cycle of SGP amplification would result in 10³ distinct SGPnucleic acid polymers per template, each of which would be approximately1 kb in length. Of course, if one of the SGP primer binding sites towhich the primer annealed is less than 1 kb from the 3′ end of a genomicDNA template, the elongation from the SGP primer bound at that sitewould produce an SGP nucleic acid polymer of less than 1 kb. Inaddition, if an SGP primer binding site (e.g., site “B”) is within 1 kbdownstream of another SGP primer binding site (e.g., site “A”), an SGPnucleic acid polymer of less than 1 kb will be generated from the SGPprimer that bound at site A.

In SGP, a cycle of mPCR may be repeated several times, e.g., 15-100times. One of skill in the art will recognize that during the denaturingstep of each cycle, SGP nucleic acid polymers will becomesingle-stranded, i.e., the SGP nucleic acid polymers will no longer bebound to a genomic DNA template. It is critical in SGP, during theannealing step in subsequent cycles of mPCR, that certain SGP nucleicacid polymers having a 5′-to 3′ nucleotide sequence comprising thereverse complement of the SGP primer within their distinct nucleotidesequence remain accessible to binding by the SGP primer, i.e., thatthese certain SGP nucleic acid polymers do not form higher-orderstructures. It is well understood that the binding of SGP nucleic acidpolymers either as part of a higher-order structure or to an SGP primeris dependent on several factors, e.g., the annealing temperature, thelengths of the SGP nucleic acid polymers and SGP primers, and theconcentrations of the SGP nucleic acid polymers and SGP primers in thereaction mixture. Consequently, one of skill in the art will recognizethat manipulating the annealing step of mPCR, e.g., by increasing theconcentration of the SGP primer, may aid in preventing the formation ofhigher-order structures comprising SGP nucleic acid polymers. However,while adjusting these well-known factors may aid in practicing theinvention, such adjustments are not absolutely required because thefactor of SGP nucleic acid polymer stability is addressed in the designof the SGP primer. As noted below, the SGP primer is designed without anonspecific stabilizing portion, and thus, SGP nucleic acid polymers,each having the sequence of the SGP primer at its 5′-end, will not bestable, i.e., will tend to bind to primer readily. Consequently, certainSGP nucleic acid polymers that have a 5′-to-3′ sequence comprising theSGP primer sequence followed by the reverse complement of the SGP primersequence within their distinct nucleotide sequence will bind selectivelyto SGP primers prior to formation of any higher-order structure.

The binding of SGP primers to the certain SGP nucleic acid polymers thathave a 5′-to-3′ sequence comprising the SGP primer sequence followed bythe reverse complement of the SGP primer sequence within their distinctnucleotide sequence is what effectuates SGP mPCR amplification cyclessubsequent to the first cycle. An SGP primer binding to its complementon SGP nucleic acid polymers promotes a PCR-like reaction that resultsin SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers, each of which has a nucleotidesequence comprising a sequence identical to the sequence of one of theseveral discrete regions of a genomic DNA template that are flanked atthe 5′ end by a 5′-to-3′ sequence identical to the SGP primer and at the3′ end by a 5′-to-3′ sequence that is the reverse complement of the SGPprimer. Accordingly, since each SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymer has at its3′ end a 5′-to-3′ sequence that is complementary to the SGP primer, eachSGP-SGP nucleic acid polymer will also be bound by the SGP primer priorto the formation of a higher-order structure in annealing steps ofsubsequent mPCR cycles. Consequently, subsequent cycles of mPCR willinvolve the exponential amplification of SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers.

One of skill in the art will recognize that, although all SGP nucleicacid polymers will comprise the SGP primer sequence at the 5′ end, onlya certain percentage of the SGP nucleic acid polymers will also comprisethe reverse complement of the SGP primer sequence within its 5′-to-3′distinct nucleotide sequence. The percentage of certain SGP nucleic acidpolymers that participate in SGP-SGP nucleic acid amplification isdependent on several easily determined factors, such as the “full-time”length used for the “full-time elongation step” of mPCR, and the designof the SGP primer. For example, a potential SGP nucleic acid polymer mayhave the reverse complement of the SGP primer sequence approximately 750bases (0.75 kb) downstream from the 5′ end. In this example, assuming,as above, that the full-time elongation step of mPCR is set to produce 1kb SGP nucleic acid polymers, the subsequent mPCR cycles will begin anmPCR exponential amplification of that 750-base (0.75-kb) region, i.e.,double-stranded SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers that have the samesequence of the region of double-stranded genomic DNA from which theoriginal 1 kb SGP nucleic acid polymer was derived. This exponentialamplification will also occur for any other single-stranded SGP nucleicacid polymer that has a 5′-to-3′ sequence containing the reversecomplement of the SGP primer within 1 kb downstream of its 5′ end.Consequently, increasing the full-length elongation time will increasethe probability that a higher percentage of SGP nucleic acid polymerswill comprise one or more SGP primer binding sites within its nucleotidesequence. The converse is also true; decreasing the full-lengthelongation time will decrease the probability that a higher percentageof SGP nucleic acid polymers will comprise one or more SGP primerbinding sites within its sequence.

The percentage of certain SGP nucleic acid polymers that comprise SGPprimer binding sites within their sequence may also be manipulated bydesigning the primer, a fuller description of which is provided below,such that, e.g., 1 in 100 (i.e., 10⁻²) SGP nucleic acid polymers wouldcontain an SGP primer-binding site within its sequence. In such anexample, and assuming as above, that the SGP primer may anneal to 10³sites along each single-stranded genomic DNA template, 2×10³ differentSGP nucleic acid polymers would be generated for each organism (i.e.,1×10³ SGP nucleic acid polymers per template×2 templates per organism),and approximately 20 distinct SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers would beamplified. Of course, the location of the reverse complement relative tothe site at which the primer initially binds will determine the lengthof each SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymer being exponentially amplified.Additionally, as with any PCR procedure, exponential amplification ofthe SGP-SGP nucleic acids of the invention occurs through mPCR cyclesthat involve elongation (resulting in double-stranded SGP-SGP nucleicacid polymers), denaturing (resulting in single-stranded SGP-SGP nucleicacid polymers available for annealing to SGP primers), and annealing ofSGP primers (setting up the next cycle of elongation and amplification).

Thus, in mPCR, the multiple copies of one SGP primer added at thebeginning of the first cycle will serve the function of the pair ofprimers usually utilized to accomplish PCR. In other words, a single SGPprimer of the present invention will bracket several discrete regions ofdouble-stranded genomic DNA and result in mPCR exponential amplificationof those regions in the form of several distinct double-stranded SGP-SGPnucleic acid polymers.

B. Half-Time Elongation Step

As noted above, the waveform analysis that serves as the final goal of awaveform profiling method in SGP requires the presence of severaldistinct single-stranded nucleic acid polymers that represent theuniqueness of the genome; these nucleic acid polymers are combined withintercalators to form higher-order structures that are ultimatelydetected, and thus, necessary in this waveform profiling method.

In SGP, detectable higher-order structures commonly are not formed untilafter 1) the exponential amplification of SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymershas been accomplished through several cycles of mPCR using full-timeelongation steps, and 2) the generation of single-stranded shortened SGPnucleic acid polymers from SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers through theintroduction of a half-time elongation step. Thus, the present inventionintroduces a “half-time” cycle of amplification into the mPCR procedure(after sufficient mPCR cycles have produced sufficient copies of theexponentially amplified polymers; e.g., 10⁶ to 10⁷ copies) in order toproduce several copies of each shortened SGP nucleic acid polymer. Inother words, by decreasing the amount of time, e.g., by 40-60%, of theelongation step for this mPCR cycle, a subset of the nucleic acidpolymers derived from a subset of the SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers aredecreased in length, i.e., shortened SGP nucleic acid polymers. Becausethe shortened SGP nucleic acid polymers will no longer contain thereverse complement of the primer sequence on the 3′ end of the polymer,shortened SGP nucleic acid polymers may not be exponentially amplified;i.e., they will remain single-stranded and will consequently formhigher-order structures that may be detected.

It should be noted that SGP nucleic acid polymers (i.e., not shortenedSGP nucleic acid polymers) not comprising a 5′-to-3′ sequence identicalto the reverse complement of the SGP primer would not be bound toprimers during any cycle of mPCR amplification, and thus, may also formhigher-order structures. However, as explained below, one half-timeelongation step produces several copies of each distinct shortened SGPnucleic acid polymer (because they are derived from exponentiallyamplified SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers). In contrast, SGP nucleic acidpolymers not having a sequence comprising an SGP primer-binding site areonly linearly amplified from a relatively small starting amount ofgenomic DNA. Consequently, the contribution of such SGP nucleic acidpolymers to the formation of higher-order structures is negligiblecompared to the contribution of the shortened SGP nucleic acid polymersto the higher-order structures.

The higher-order structures produced in SGP will contain mostlyshortened SGP nucleic acid polymers that are generated by introductionof the half-time elongation step. By way of example, assuming, as above,that the SGP primer could anneal to, e.g., approximately 10³ sites oneach single-stranded genomic DNA template, the total number of SGPnucleic acid polymers from the first cycle may be, for example,approximately 2×10³ SGP nucleic acid polymers per copy of genomic DNA(i.e., per organism). Also assuming, again as above, that the primer wasdesigned such that 1 in 100 SGP nucleic acid polymers has a sequencecomprising an SGP primer binding site within its sequence, approximately20 SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers, each of which is identical to one ofseveral distinct regions of a genomic DNA template that are bracketed bySGP primer binding sites, will be exponentially amplified by mPCR,resulting in a relatively large number of copies of SGP-SGP nucleic acidpolymers (approximately 10⁶-10⁷ copies after 22-24 mPCR cycles whenstarting with a single genomic DNA). The number of exponentiallyamplified SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers, and consequently the number ofshortened SGP nucleic acid polymers derived therefrom, will dwarf thenumber of SGP nucleic acid polymers that continue to be produced bylinear amplification as the cycles of amplification proceed.

One of skill in the art will recognize that the potential total numberof SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers produced by SGP is related to the sizeof the genome and the primer length. Thus the preferred number of SGPnucleic acid polymers produced in the first cycle of amplification maybe determined as a function of the desired number of SGP-SGP nucleicacid polymers capable of producing shortened SGP nucleic acid polymersduring the half-time elongation step (i.e., the desired number ofshortened SGP nucleic acid polymers available for formation ofhigher-order structures). Such determination will be helpful indesigning SGP primers of the invention, described in further detailbelow.

In determining the desired number of shortened SGP nucleic acid polymersavailable for the formation of higher-order structures, one of skill inthe art will recognize that only a subset of the SGP-SGP nucleic acidpolymers exponentially amplified by mPCR is used in the generation ofshortened SGP nucleic acid polymers; such subset comprises the longerSGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers that are not able to fully elongate in ahalf-time elongation step. Since the sequences of SGP-SGP nucleic acidpolymers being exponentially amplified by mPCR comprise the nucleotidesequence of the reverse complement of the primer at the 3′-end, afull-time elongation step is necessary to complete the elongation forthis subset of SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers, and the half-timeelongation step will result in shortened SGP nucleic acid polymers,i.e., nucleic acid polymers that do not contain the reverse complementof the primer at the 3′-end. On the other hand, some of the SGP-SGPnucleic acid polymers being exponentially amplified by mPCR areconsiderably shorter than these longer SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers.Such SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers, which fully elongate in the timeallotted in the half-time elongation step, will continue to be amplifiedexponentially in any subsequent cycles of mPCR; as described below,these SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers commonly will not become part of thehigher-order structures. One of skill in the art will recognize that,given the random location of the reverse complement of the SGP primerwithin the length of the SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers that undergoexponential amplification with mPCR, the introduction of a half-timeelongation step will result in approximately half of the SGP-SGP nucleicacid polymers being used to create shortened SGP nucleic acid polymers.

Approximately 50% of the exponentially amplified SGP-SGP nucleic acidpolymers will not contain an SGP primer binding site within the portionelongated by the half-time elongation step, and thus will participate inthe generation of shortened SGP nucleic acid polymers. Since theshortened SGP nucleic acid polymers will not comprise a sequence capableof binding to the SGP primer, they will form higher-order structures.

The other approximately 50% of the SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymersexponentially amplified by mPCR will still contain an SGP primer-bindingsite. Additionally, since the annealing of SGP-SGP polymers withcomplementary sequences to create double-stranded SGP-SGP polymers isstable and tends to occur quickly, SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymerscommonly will not be utilized in the formation of higher-orderstructures.

For example, assuming that an SGP primer of 9 bases in length may annealto 7,000 sites, and the resulting SGP nucleic acid polymers may beelongated to 2,000 bases in length, 1.4×10⁷ bases of genomic DNA, i.e.,1/142 of a single-stranded genomic DNA template of, e.g., 2×10⁹ bases inlength, will be copied as SGP nucleic acid polymers. In SGP,approximately 50 to 70 of these 7,000 SGP nucleic acid polymers willcomprise an SGP primer-binding site (assuming again, as above, that theSGP primer was designed such that approximately 1 in 100 SGP nucleicacid polymers will contain an SGP primer binding site). Theseapproximately 50 to 70 SGP nucleic acid polymers will effectivelygenerate SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers that will be exponentiallyamplified during the mPCR step of SGP. After 22-24 cycles of mPCR andafter the half-time elongation step, several copies (e.g., 10⁶ to 10⁷)of approximately 25-35 distinct shortened SGP nucleic acid polymers(which will form the higher-order structures) are expected to resultfrom the exponentially amplified SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers. Thus,the half-time elongation step not only produces shortened SGP nucleicacid polymers for the formation of higher-order structure, but alsodistinguishes among SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers of different lengths.

As a further example, assume that among the several SGP-SGP polymersbeing amplified exponentially during the full-time mPCR cycles in SGPare SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers of 1 kb, 0.8 kb, 0.6 kb, 0.4 kb, and0.2 kb; also assume that the timing of the elongation step in theserepetitive mPCR cycles is just sufficient for elongating a 1 kb polymer.One of skill in the art will realize that during the subsequent“half-time” elongation step, the resulting polymers produced will beapproximately 0.5 kb, 0.5 kb, 0.5 kb, 0.4 kb and 0.2 kb, respectively.As this mPCR cycle progresses, and the newly elongated polymers of DNAare denatured from their individual complementary template strands, thefirst three listed polymers (i.e., the polymers of 0.5 kb in length,those copied from individual template strands that were originally ofgreater lengths (1 kb, 0.8 kb, and 0.6 kb)) will not have the reversecomplement of the primer sequence at their 3′ end, and they will all beof approximately the same length (i.e., 0.5 kb). These single-strandedshortened SGP nucleic acid polymers will be available to form thehigher-order structures necessary for the generation of waveformprofiles. However, the polymers elongated from individual templatestrands of 0.4 kb and 0.2 kb lengths will be full length, i.e., thereverse complement of the primer sequence will be present at the 3′ endof these copies, and subsequent cycles of PCR amplification willcontinue to produce SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers such that they willnot be available to participate in the formation of higher-orderstructures.

C. Detecting the Single Genome Profile

Because exponential amplification, i.e., mPCR, is used in the SGPmethod, there is no requirement to begin with a large number of copiesof the genomic DNA of interest. For example, assume that a (non-SGP)waveform primer may bind to 10³ sites along each single-stranded genomicDNA template and (because other waveform profiling methods generallyrequire beginning the procedure with at least 10⁶ organisms, asdescribed above) the total number of nucleic acid polymers produced percycle of linear amplification is approximately 2×10⁹ (10³ nucleic acidpolymers per genomic DNA template×2 genomic DNA templates perorganism×10⁶ organisms). In other waveform profiling methods, the linearamplification cycles would be repeated, e.g., 22-24 times (i.e.,producing 22-24 sets of 2×10³ different single strands). In contrast,one of the embodiments of the present invention is related to the factthat waveform profiling with the SGP method potentially can beaccomplished if only a single copy of the genomic sequence is present inthe sample at the beginning of the amplification process (assumingefficient extraction). After several cycles of mPCR amplification (e.g.,22-24 cycles), beginning with one copy of the genome, each distinctregion of genomic DNA bracketed by SGP primer binding sites, i.e., eachdistinct SGP-SGP nucleic acid, will be copied on the order of 10⁶ to 10⁷times (i.e., approximately 10⁶ to 10⁷ copies will be present). Thisimprovement over other waveform profiling methods allows for far greatersensitivity in detecting and identifying, for example, the presence ofbacteria in a sample using the SGP method.

Because the shortened SGP nucleic acid polymers elongated as describedare derived from SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers that are identical toregions of the genomic DNA bracketed by SGP primer binding sites, theshortened SGP nucleic acid polymers will comprise the unique sequencedifferences of the organism being detected. In SGP, the copies of eachof the several single-stranded shortened SGP nucleic acid polymersproduced during the half-time elongation step will interact with eachother to form higher-order structures, i.e., complexes comprising anumber of shortened SGP nucleic acid polymers. The higher-orderstructures will have different stabilities and dissociate at differentmelting temperatures (Tm) depending on the base sequences of theshortened single-strands, i.e., based on the unique genomic informationof the organism. The Tm of the higher-order structures derived from anorganism can be determined and recorded; this is accomplished with theuse of fluorescent agents that intercalate into higher-order DNAstructures, i.e., intercalators. Thus, SGP may be used to detect,compare and distinguish the genomic DNAs of different organisms throughwaveform profile analysis, i.e., detecting and recording thedissociation of higher-order structures.

The higher-order structures of a particular sample are dissociated byincreasing the temperature of the sample. As the higher-order DNAstructures dissociate, the fluorescent agents intercalated in thesehigher-order structures also dissociate. Plotting the rate of change offluorescence intensity obtained by the dissociation of thesehigher-order structures as a function of increasing temperature producesa waveform that is unique to the genomic DNA of the organism, i.e.,higher-order DNA structures at different melting temperatures (Tm) areobserved and recorded to produce a characteristic waveform profile. Awaveform profile that indicates the presence of an organism in thesample is termed a positive waveform profile; in the event that noorganism is present in the sample, a negative waveform profile isproduced.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the presence of anappropriate (positive) waveform profile is indicative of the presence ofan organism in a sample. In other embodiments, a characteristic waveformprofile is indicative of a particular species (or strain) of anorganism, e.g., a species or strain of bacteria. Thus, the SGP methodcan distinguish between the genomic DNA from a first organism and thegenomic DNA from a second organism using intercalators to obtain aunique waveform profile for each organism using a method of waveformprofiling.

As described above, the mPCR step of SGP comprises multiple cycles ofamplification; i.e., multiple cycles of the following steps: 1)denaturing each genomic DNA into genomic DNA templates, 2) annealing SGPprimers to several discrete SGP primer binding sites along each genomicDNA template and any previously generated SGP nucleic acid polymers andSGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers, and 3) elongating SGP and SGP-SGP nucleicacid polymers from each primer that annealed to an SGP primer bindingsite. In particular, during one cycle of amplification, the temperatureof the sample is increased (e.g., to 95-98° C.) to denature anydouble-stranded nucleic acid polymers (including genomic DNA). Thetemperature is subsequently decreased (e.g., to 25° C.) to allow SGPprimers to anneal to any available SGP primer-binding site. The finalstep in the cycle, elongation of SGP and SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymersfrom the primer, is performed at ˜72° C. using, e.g., Taq polymerase.Finally, in one of the last cycles of amplification, the length of timefor the elongation step is reduced, e.g., by 40-60% (e.g., by 50%), togenerate shortened SGP nucleic acid polymers. One of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate that additional cycles incorporating additionalhalf-time elongation steps may be included in the present invention toproduce a more accurate and/or robust waveform profile, and that thesecycles may follow additional cycles incorporating additional full-timeelongation steps included to amplify the products (e.g., SGP-SGP nucleicacid polymers of the invention).

One of skill in the art would know to employ an apparatus or machinecapable of the repetitive cycling steps involving the alterations intemperature necessary for the denaturing, annealing, and elongationsteps inherent in amplification procedures; such machines include, butare not limited to the apparatus of the invention, PCR machines known inthe art, and the “Genopattern Analyzer GP1000” machine (Adgene). Othercompanies that produce devices capable of the mPCR cycling stepsnecessary in the present invention include, but are not limited to,Perkin-Elmer (Wellesley, Mass.), Applied Biosystems (Foster City,Calif.), or MJ Research (Waltham, Mass.). Such machines are capable ofaltering the timing and duration of various steps in which temperaturesare changed and reset, and thus such machines would be useful inproducing both the full-time elongation steps and the essentialhalf-time elongation step of the present invention. In addition, one ofskill might employ additional materials to assist in the various aspectsof using SGP to detect the genomic DNA of organisms, including but notlimited to reagent kits for extraction (of which there are several knownin the art; e.g., Xtrana technologies, such as the XTRA AMP® extractionsystem (Xtrana Inc., Broomfield, Colo.)); analytical software tointerpret the results produced by waveform profiling (e.g., GenoMasterby Adgene); and primer-design supporting tools (such as the “DesignSupport Tool for Genopattern Primer” used in other waveform profilingmethods, and GenoSequenceAnalyzer software, both by Adgene). One ofskill in the art would adjust the parameters and/or protocols of suchsoftware and/or tools to be useful for SGP.

D. Single Genome Profiling Primers

An SGP primer is designed, using methods well known in the art, suchthat it binds to several discrete sites along each single-strandedgenomic DNA template. In one embodiment of the invention, SGP primersare used to detect the presence of any genomic DNA from an organism,e.g., bacteria and viruses. In another embodiment of the invention, SGPprimers are tailored for use in detecting particular organisms, e.g., aparticular species or strain of bacteria. One of skill in the art candetermine the length and sequence of an SGP primer that is used todetect the genomic DNA of bacteria generally, or of a particular speciesor strain of bacteria, by taking into account the length and sequence ofthe genomic DNA. One of skill in the art would survey several species ofbacteria regarding the sequences of their genomic DNAs and deduce thesequence of a primer capable of detecting most or all of these species;this type of primer is sometimes referred to as a “universal” primer.Universal SGP primers, and SGP primers specific for a particular speciesor strain, are determined after straightforward experimental trialsconducted by one of ordinary skill in the art.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that the length of the SGPprimer and its ability to bind to several SGP primer binding sites,i.e., complementary sequences, along genomic DNA templates are inverselyrelated, i.e., the shorter the length of the primer, the greater thenumber of discrete SGP binding sites along a genomic DNA template towhich the primer will bind. Conversely, the longer the length of theprimer, the fewer the number of discrete SGP primer binding sites alonga genomic DNA template to which the primer will bind. In addition, thesame analysis related to primer length applies to the probability thatthe complementary sequence of the SGP primer and the reversecomplementary sequence of the SGP primer will occur within a presetdistance along the length of a genomic DNA template (i.e., the presetmaximum length of an SGP nucleic acid polymer). Thus the shorter thelength of the primer, the greater the likelihood that the reversecomplement of the SGP primer binding site will be present within apreset distance downstream from the SGP primer binding site. One ofskill in the art will recognize that the preset distance will bedetermined by the length of time comprising the full-time elongationstep, and when the reverse complement of the primer binding site ispresent within that preset distance, exponential amplification willoccur. Finally, one of skill in the art will also recognize that thesequence content plays a role in the design of a primer. Designingprimers generally with these factors in mind has become a routine methodin the art (see generally, e.g., Burpo (2001) “A critical review of PCRprimer design algorithms and cross-hybridization case study,” availablein “Computational Molecular Biology” course materials, StanfordUniversity (cmgm.stanford.edu/biochem218/Projects %202001/Burpo.pdf)).

Consequently, a skilled artisan will be able to design an appropriateSGP primer by taking into account the length and sequence of the genomicDNA, and the desired length and specificity of the primer. In oneembodiment of the invention, the SGP primer is designed so that it bindswith each single-stranded genomic DNA template with a predeterminedfrequency. In another embodiment of the invention, the SGP primer isdesigned such that the primer also can act as a forward and reverseprimer in the exponential amplification of SGP nucleic acid polymerswith a predetermined frequency.

One of skill in the art would also look to the materials and softwareprograms related to other waveform profiling methods and the generationof waveform primers (available from, e.g., Adgene) as an aid indesigning primers for SGP (including “universal” primers, and primersfor detection of particular species and strains of, e.g., bacteria).However, one of skill would recognize the need to refine the techniquesand parameters related to other waveform profiling method for designingprimers in order to produce primers that function correctly in SGP. Forexample, other waveform profiling methods utilize primers that containboth a specific portion and a nonspecific, stabilizing portion (as notedabove); the SGP primers of the present invention do not contain anonspecific stabilizing portion. In addition, one of skill willrecognize that it is necessary for the SGP primers to bind to a greaternumber of binding sites along each single-stranded genomic DNA template(as compared to primers in other waveform profiling methods), at leastin part because only a percentage of the SGP nucleic acid polymers willhave a sequence comprising the reverse complement of the primer withinthe preset distance downstream from the primer binding site, i.e., onlya percentage will undergo exponential amplification and result inSGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers. Further, only a percentage (e.g.,approximately 50%) of SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers that undergoexponential amplification will produce shortened SGP nucleic acidpolymers during a half-time elongation step.

Primers for SGP are designed to be shorter (less bases) than primersused in other waveform profiling methods because the probability thatSGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers are produced is increased as the primerlength is decreased. For this reason, one of skill in the art woulddesign primers of shorter length than those suggested/recommended forother waveform profiling methods. For example, Adgene presents anexample of a waveform primer in a figure (i.e., FIG. 4) of “A Method forComparison and Identification of DNAs and RNAs by Pattern Analysis:Genopattern Method” (available from Adgene). This waveform primercontains an eleven-base nonspecific stabilizing portion and aneight-base specific portion. One of skill would design primers for SGPby excluding the nonspecific portion, and reducing the number of basesin the total SGP primer to a number less than the number of bases in thespecific portion of Adgene's waveform primer. For example, a primer ofsix or seven bases in length could be designed for use in SGP. In otherembodiments in which the specific portion of a particular waveformprimer contains more bases, the design for a corresponding SGP primermay, in turn, contain more bases as well.

Among the bacteria that can be detected by the SGP method are those forwhich universal waveform primers have already been designed; suchprimers are known in the art and are useful in detecting Vibrioparahaemolyticus; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Salmonella typhimurium;Klebsiella pneumoniae; Campylobacter jejuni; Shigella sonnei;Enterococcus faecalis; Haemophilus influenzae; Helicobacter pylori;Streptococcus pyogenes; Mycobacterium bovis; Escherichia coli; Bacilluscereus; Staphylococcus aureus; and Bacillus subtilis. Other primers,several of which can be used to distinguish among individual species andstrains of bacteria, are also available from Adgene for use in otherwaveform profiling methods. As noted above, one of skill would alter thedesign of the primer, or change the method of designing the primer, inorder to produce a primer useful in SGP based on the known waveformprimer. In addition, one of skill in the art would design appropriateSGP primers for organisms for which no waveform primer has been designed(for example, for other bacteria and viruses) by analysis of the genomicmaterial of the organism(s) of interest, and by conducting a series ofstraightforward experimental trials.

One of skill in the art will recognize the applicability of SGP intesting a sample, e.g., a water sample. Methods for isolating organisms,and consequently the genome of the organism, will depend on the sampleand are well known in the art. Once potential genomic DNA is isolated,the SGP method may be used to detect the presence of genomic DNA, andthus, the presence of an organism. In certain situations, e.g., when thesample should be sterile or relatively free of contamination, e.g., awater sample, such detection is sufficient to detect contamination by anorganism. Where identification of the organism is required, other andmore specific SGP primers may be used.

III. Methods of Using the Automated Inline Platform of the Invention

The present invention also provides methods of using an apparatus of theinvention for detecting the presence of an organism in a sample, and thesubsequent and optional classification of the contaminating organism,i.e., methods of using the microfluidic devices and instruments of theinvention to prepare (e.g., isolate, process, mix with reactionreagents), amplify (e.g., by PCR, waveform profiling, etc.) and detect(e.g., screen for, quantify, identify), and/or optionally select forfurther analysis, (e.g., sequence) genomic material isolated from anorganism. Generally, the methods of the invention comprise the stepsof 1) aspirating at least one DNA sample droplet into a microfluidicinline reaction channel of a microfluidic device of the invention; 2)forming at least one DNA sample plug by mixing the at least one DNAsample droplet with a primer plug; 3) driving the at least one DNAsample plug along the microfluidic reaction channel into a firsttemperature-controlled area of the microfluidic device where the DNAsample plug is subjected to at least one amplification cycle comprisingdenaturing, annealing, and elongation; 4) detecting amplified DNAproducts in a second temperature-controlled area as the DNA sample plugis subjected to temperatures between a first temperature and a secondtemperature; and 5) optionally selecting the DNA sample plug for furtheranalysis, e.g., sequencing analysis. The methods described herein willenable one of skill in the art to continuously monitor a sample toscreen for contamination even if only a small number of thecontaminating organism is present, to quantify the level of any suchcontamination, and/or to identify the contaminating organism.

A. Amplifying the DNA Sample

As described above, the amplification process occurs within anamplification area, i.e., a first temperature-controlled area of amicrofluidic device of the invention. In the firsttemperature-controlled area of the chip, each microfluidic inlinereaction channel is repeatedly and rapidly heated and cooled in alocalized manner such that the denaturing, annealing, and elongationsteps of the DNA amplification methods, e.g., PCR, waveform profiling,SGP, etc., are effected on each sample plug as it travels along thelength of a microfluidic reaction channel. One of skill in the art willrecognize that only sample plugs comprising at least one DNA molecule,i.e., DNA sample plugs, will yield amplified DNA products. In oneembodiment of the present invention, PCR is chosen as the amplifyingprocess. In another embodiment, waveform profiling is carried out on theautomated inline platform disclosed herein. In another embodiment, thewaveform profiling method is the SGP method (including but not limitedto introduction of the SGP primer, mPCR cycling, formation ofhigher-order structures, and detection and analysis of amplifiedshortened SGP nucleic acid polymers), and the SGP waveform profilingmethod is carried out with the automated inline waveform profilingdevice disclosed herein.

As such, the invention provides a method of detecting the absence orpresence of an organism in a sample, the method comprising, in thisorder, the steps of: (a) acquiring the sample comprising at least oneorganism; (b) isolating at least one copy of the genomic material of theorganism, if present in the sample; (c) aspirating at least one sampledroplet into a microfluidic reaction channel; (d) forming at least onesample plug by mixing the at least one sample droplet with a primerplug, wherein the primer plug comprises at least one primer,nucleotides, DNA polymerase, and intercalators; (e) heating the at leastone sample plug to a first temperature that will cause each copy of theDNA to denature into a first and second DNA template; (f) cooling the atleast one sample plug to a second temperature to cause the primers toanneal to each genomic DNA template; (g) reheating the at least onesample plug to a third temperature that is between the first and secondtemperatures as to allow the primers to remain annealed to the genomicDNA and the DNA polymerase to elongate nucleic acid polymers originatingfrom the annealed primers; (h) maintaining the third temperature for afirst length of time (i.e., full-time elongation); (i) repeating steps(e)-(h) at least once; and (j) detecting the resulting amplifiedproducts, wherein at least steps (c)-(j) occur within an apparatus ofthe invention. A skilled artisan will recognize that this embodimenteffectuates both PCR and waveform amplification methods, depending onthe primer or primers chosen. To effectuate a half-time elongation stepof the SGP method, the above-described method may be modified to furthercomprise, after step (i) and before step (j), the steps of (1) repeatingsteps (e)-(g); (2) maintaining the third temperature for a length oftime equal to about 40-60% (preferably about 50%) of the first length oftime; and (3) cooling the at least one sample plug to a fourthtemperature lower than or equal to that of the second temperature toallow formation of higher-order structures containing intercalators. Oneof skill in the art will recognize that if the amplification process wasPCR, the detecting step of step (j) may occur at one temperature. Incontrast, if the waveform profiling was chosen as the amplificationprocess, the detecting step of step (j) should occur at a range oftemperatures. As described above, the number of cycles of amplificationeach sample plug is subject to may be controlled by varying either orboth 1) the timing of the voltage applied to the metal tracer, and 2)the flow rate of the sample. The timing of each cycle, and number ofcycles of amplification to which each sample plug is subjected, willultimately depend on the amplification process chosen (e.g., PCR, awaveform profiling method (e.g., the SGP method)), the number of DNAmolecules per DNA sample plug, and/or, if PCR is chosen, the length ofthe DNA region being amplified. The timing of each cycle, and number ofcycles for each sample plug tested are experimental conditions that maybe determined by a skilled artisan without undue burden. One of skill inthe art will recognize that the detecting step described herein may beused to screen for a contaminating organism(s), quantify the level ofcontamination of a sample, and/or identify the contaminatingorganism(s). Such detecting methods are described in greater detailbelow.

B. Detecting the DNA Sample

The detection area of a microfluidic device of the invention allowssignals from amplified DNA products to be monitored. Detection may bebased on optical, chemical, electrochemical, thermal, or otherproperties of the amplified DNA products. In one embodiment, detectionof signals from amplified DNA products is achieved using an opticaldetection system, e.g., in the case where amplified DNA products arefluorescent, the detector will typically include a light source thatproduces light at an appropriate wavelength for activating thefluorescent product, as well as optics for directing the light sourcethrough the detection area to products contained in a DNA sample plugwithin a microfluidic reaction channel.

A skilled artisan will be able to determine the light source needed todetect the amplified DNA products by taking into account, e.g., theappropriate wavelength to excite a fluorescent amplified DNA product.Any light source that provides an appropriate wavelength, including, butnot limited to, lasers, laser diodes and LEDs, may be used.

The detection of the fluorescence is accomplished using an appropriatedetector, e.g., a photomultiplier tube. The amplified DNA productsproduced by a method of the invention may be detected by as they passthe detector, e.g., when amplified DNA products need to be detected onlyat one temperature, e.g., PCR amplified DNA products. Alternatively, thedetector may be stationary or may move with the amplified DNA products,e.g., to detect fluorescence as the amplified DNA products are subjectto different melting temperatures, e.g., to perform Tm analysis of DNAproducts amplified by a waveform profiling method, e.g., the SGP method.

In order to detect amplified DNA products, detectable agents must beadded to at least those sample plugs comprising DNA. Detectable agentsfor various forms of detection, e.g., optical, chemical, electrochemicaland thermal, are well known in the art. A preferred detectable agent isone that may be detected only in the presence of amplified DNA products.Such detectable agents are well known in the art and include, but arenot limited to, fluorescent intercalators. In the methods of theinvention, the detectable agent may be added to each sample plugupstream of the detection area (e.g., as a reaction reagent in thepreparation of the sample), during amplification of the DNA, just afterthe sample plug is subject to amplification cycles, etc., as long as thedetectable agent is added to a sample plug upstream of the detectionarea. In the methods of the invention, as the sample plug comprising thedetectable agent is moved to the second temperature-controlled area,amplified DNA products (e.g., PCR amplified products, the dissociationof higher-order DNA structures generated by a waveform profiling methodin, e.g., the SGP method) may be detected. One of skill in the art willrecognize that detection of PCR amplified products may occur at onetemperature, whereas detection of the dissociating higher-orderstructures generated by waveform-profiling methods (including the SGPmethod) requires at least two different temperatures. The temperature atwhich PCR amplified products may be detected, e.g., room temperature,depends on the detectable agent that was used. Additionally, detectionof the dissociation of higher-order structures generated by waveformprofiling methods, e.g., SGP, i.e., melting curve analysis, occurs overa range of temperatures, e.g., 65° C.-95° C., often in the form of agradient range of temperatures (e.g., applied across a thermal controlplate).

One of skill in the art will recognize that the detection step of themethods described herein may be used to screen for contamination,identify the organism responsible for the contamination and/or quantifythe level of such contamination. Each of these particular embodiments isdescribed in fuller detail below. Additionally, as mentioned above, anapparatus of the invention may be used to select detected DNA productsfor further analysis, e.g., sequencing analysis.

1. Screening

It is an object of the invention to provide an inexpensive method forthe continuous screening of a sample for contaminating organisms.Screening a sample for the absence or presence of contaminationorganisms (e.g., detecting the absence or presence of amplified DNAproducts), i.e., monitoring and keeping public samples, e.g., water andair, free from contaminating organisms and/or terrorist attacks 24 hoursa day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year may be an important function ofthe apparatus of the present invention. Thus, the invention provides themethod of using an apparatus of the invention to screen a sample supplyfor contamination, comprising the steps of continuously acquiring sampledroplets from the sample supply into at least one microfluidic reactionchannel, forming sample plugs by mixing each sample droplet with aprimer plug, wherein each primer plug comprises amplification reagents,amplifying DNA from sample plugs comprising genomic material, anddetecting the absence or presence of amplified products, wherein thesteps occur in an apparatus of the invention. In this embodiment of theinvention, the absence of amplified DNA products (i.e., zero-detection)is indicative of a clean sample supply, e.g., a water supply. Incontrast, the presence of amplified products may be indicative of acontaminated sample supply. Using an apparatus of the invention toscreen a sample is relatively inexpensive because a large number oftests may be done while avoiding the extraordinary cost in time andmoney of using conventional methods of screening and monitoring.Additionally, although constant zero-detection may seem redundant, thisabsence of amplified products indicates that the sample supply is safe.This is an important and vital goal, as is the immediate detection ofcontamination of the sample supply. Finally, screening for, identifying,and quantifying the level of, a contaminating organism using the methodsdescribed herein may be performed simultaneously.

2. Quantifying

In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus may be used toquantify the level of contamination, i.e., the concentration of genomicmaterial in a sample. The quantification process of the invention usingan apparatus of the invention comprises the steps of a) diluting thesample using dilution factors such that the concentration of the genomicmaterial is at most approximately one molecule per sample droplet, e.g.,3 molecules per 1000 sample droplets, b) acquiring sample droplets fromthe sample into at least one microfluidic inline reaction channel, c)forming sample plugs by mixing each sample droplet with a primer plug,wherein the primer plug comprises amplification reagents, d) subjectingeach sample plug to amplification cycles such that each sample plugcomprising a DNA molecule has detectable amplified DNA products (andeach sample plug not comprising a DNA molecule will not have amplifiedDNA products), e) detecting the absence or presence of amplified DNAproducts in each sample plug, and f) determining the ratio of sampleplugs containing amplified products to sample plugs resulting inzero-detection, and (g) using the dilution factor to calculate theoriginal concentration of contaminating genomic material in the sample.Quantification using this method is based on the ratio of sample plugscomprising amplified DNA products stemming from one genomic DNA moleculeto sample plugs resulting in zero-detection; the method is not based onthe fluorescence intensity of the amplified products, and thus, solves aproblem inherent with PCR-based quantification schemes.

3. Identifying

The identification method provided herein is only necessary when asample supply, e.g., a water supply, is contaminated with genomicmaterial that is detected in the screening and/or quantifying method ofthe invention. Thus, it is another object of the invention to provide aninexpensive method for the identification of an organism in a sample.The invention provides a method of identifying an organism using anapparatus of the invention, the method comprising the steps of a)preparing at least one DNA sample droplet comprising genomic materialisolated from the organism; b) acquiring the at least one DNA sampledroplet from the sample into at least one microfluidic reaction channel;c) forming at least one DNA sample plug by mixing the at least onesample droplet with a primer plug, wherein the primer plug comprises atleast one known first primer; d) subjecting the at least one DNA sampleplug to at least one amplification cycle such that the at least one DNAsample plug has detectable amplified DNA products; e) detectingamplified DNA products; f) identifying the organism based on detectionof the amplified products, and g) optionally repeating steps (a)-(f)with amplification reagents comprising a known primer that is differentthan the first known primer to increase the accuracy of theidentification of the organism. In one embodiment of the invention, thedetection of amplified DNA products (e.g., when samples are beingscreened for contamination and/or the level of contamination is beingquantified) provides the identification of the organism from which theDNA was isolated because the primer was chosen to confirm the identityof an organism, e.g., a specific TAQMAN® primer that specifically bindsto the genomic DNA of a particular organism may be chosen such thatdetection of amplified products using the method(s) described aboveconfirms the identity of the organism. In another embodiment, waveformprimers or SGP primers or the invention are used and the detectedwaveform profile provides the identity of the organism.

In cases when detection of amplified products does not definitivelyidentify the particular species (or strain) of the contaminatingorganism in a contaminated sample (e.g., during screening or quantifyingmethods of the invention), the amplified DNA products produced by theinitial detection, e.g., in the screening and/or quantifying methods ofthe invention, may be used as a preliminary indication/suggestion of thetype of organism likely to be present in the sample (i.e., the screeningor quantification methods may narrow the choices for the primer(s) touse in the optional step of the method of identifying (step g, above)).A library of primers is available for this optional step. Based on thetype of organism suggested by the initial detection, one (or more) ofthese primers may be utilized to produce secondary amplified DNAproducts, which may then be used to identify the species and strain oforganism contaminating the original sample.

In the situation in which more than one source of genomic material issimultaneously contaminating a supply, e.g., a water supply, a variationof the dilution method used for quantification (above) may be employed.Thus, in the case of two contaminating sources of genomic material, bydiluting a sample sufficiently to produce a series of sample droplets inwhich most sample droplets contain no genomic material and some sampledroplets contain one or the other genomic material, the array ofpossible components in each sample droplet or subsequent sample plug maybe represented as: 0 (no DNA); X (one genomic DNA source); and Y (asecond genomic DNA source). One of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand that such a dilution scheme would normally isolate onemolecule of genomic material per sample droplet, if any. However, in therare instance in which two different DNA molecules are present in asingle sample plug (e.g., XY), the method would still be useful; forexample, the waveform profile for the presence of both organisms (i.e.,XY) would not have a normal waveform profile for any singular bacterialsource.

One of skill in the art will readily recognize that by monitoring aseries of these sample plugs (e.g., one thousand sample plugs), thedetection and identification of sample plugs containing genomic materialfrom each separate source may be obtained. For example, in the SGPmethod, the use of an SGP primer will detect waveform profiles forsample plugs that contain (1) genomic DNA for organism X and (2) genomicDNA for organism Y. To further identify the X and Y organisms, in oneembodiment, the sample plugs corresponding to these organisms areisolated and are selected for further analysis, e.g., selected foranalysis by a DNA sequencing chip by means of the valve device of theinvention. One of ordinary skill in the art also would know to expandand extrapolate this variation on the methods related to the device ofthe invention to situations in which more than two sources of genomicmaterial contamination are present. One of skill in the art wouldrecognize that these methods for identifying multiple sources of genomicmaterial would also be useful for detecting and discriminating adangerous source of contamination against a background of an innocuous,or relatively innocuous, source of contamination in a supply, e.g., awater supply.

4. Selecting

Using an apparatus of the invention provides another benefit in theanalysis of genomic material; an apparatus of the invention allows forthe selection of amplified DNA products for further analysis, e.g.,sequencing analysis. Sequencing analysis is a final and definitivemethod of DNA analysis. As such, it is another object of the inventionto provide a method of using an apparatus of the invention to providedetailed information, e.g., sequence information, regarding DNA that hasbeen analyzed using any of the methods described above. Consequently,the invention provides a method in which a DNA sample plug that hastraversed the length of a microfluidic inline reaction channel within amicrofluidic device of the invention may be optionally selected forfurther analysis. The selection process will occur at the “valve” of amicrofluidic device of the invention. Upon selection, the valve of themicrofluidic device of the invention will further allow the selected DNAsample plug(s) to proceed to another device, e.g., for sequencing, e.g.,a DNA sequencing chip. Such chips are known in the art (see, e.g., U.S.Published Patent Application No. 2005/0009022).

The entire contents of all references, patents, and patent applicationscited throughout the present application are hereby incorporated byreference herein in their entireties.

EXAMPLES

Embodiments of the invention are discussed herein. The basis of oneembodiment of the invention, i.e., the basis of a system for detectingthe absence or presence of a contaminating organism in a sample, isfound in Example 1. One of skill in the art will recognize the utilityof such a system in providing quality assurance for various samples,e.g., for detecting the absence or presence of bacteria in a watersupply. Again, it will be recognized by one of skill in the art that thepresent invention may be used to analyze the absence or presence ofgenes and other lengths of nucleotides in different samples. Forexample, one of skill in the art could use the present invention todetect and identify anthrax in a sample filtered from an air supply orin a sample of blood, or detect and identify a virus coated on variousfoodstuffs. The present invention should not be construed to be limitedto the scope of the specific examples described below.

Example 1 The Single Genome Profile (SGP) Method Comprising Modified PCR(mPCR) and Half-Time Elongation Step

The examples and figures provided herein are theoretical constructionsprovided to aid one of skill in the art in an understanding of theinvention, as well as to delineate the improvements described herein.FIG. 3 is a flow diagram that delineates the first cycle of waveformprofiling methods, including the SGP method (FIG. 3A), and compares theresults of subsequent cycles of the SGP method (FIG. 3B) and otherwaveform profiling methods (FIG. 3C). It should be noted that the flowdiagram represents the use of one copy of the genomic DNA to bedetected. However, as discussed above, only with the SGP method willthis amount of genomic DNA be sufficient for the formation of detectablehigher-order structures.

To further demonstrate the invention, both a theoretical primer sequenceand a theoretical genomic sequence are provided in Example 1.1 andExample 1.2, respectively, to demonstrate how a primer of sufficientlyshort length will be able to bind to several discrete primer bindingsites along the length of each single-stranded genomic DNA template.Example 1.3 then guides one of skill in the art through the SGP processdescribed herein, provides the sequences of each nucleic acid polymerexpected after each step of the SGP method, and helps to delineate theimprovements of the invention. The examples presented herein should notbe construed or understood as limiting the scope of the invention.

Example 1.1 Theoretical Primer Sequence

In the model provided herein, the primer is 5′-AGC-3′.

Example 1.2 Theoretical Genomic Sequence

A 1001 bp genomic sequence containing the four DNA nucleotide bases(adenine “A,” guanine “G,” thymidine “T,” and cytosine “C”) in randomorder and frequency was generated by use of a computer program. A fewbases of this theoretical, randomly generated sequence were altered inorder to obtain a sequence that more clearly demonstrates the SGPmethod. The sequence of each of the single-stranded genomic DNAtemplates of the double-stranded genomic DNA is shown in FIG. 4. Thesequence of one of the single-stranded genomic DNA templates ispresented 5′-to-3′ and is represented by uppercase letters correspondingto the nucleotide bases (SEQ ID NO:1); the complementary single-strandedgenomic DNA template is presented 3′-to 5′ and is represented bylowercase letters corresponding to the nucleotide bases (SEQ ID NO:2).Bolded letters on each genomic DNA template show the sites at which thetheoretical primer of Example 1.1 is expected to anneal, i.e., primerbinding sites. The bracketed regions in FIG. 4 demonstrate the severaldiscrete regions of the theoretical genomic DNA that are bracketed byprimer binding sites, each of which will be exponentially amplified inthe form of SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers (see, e.g., FIG. 7).

Example 1.3 SGP Method Comprising Modified PCR and a Half-timeElongation Step

The primer of Example 1.1 is expected to anneal to each primer-bindingsite along the genomic DNA of Example 1.2. The first cycle of mPCRbegins with denaturing the genomic DNA into two genomic DNA templates,which is performed at ˜95-98° C. for approximately 2 minutes. Denaturingis followed by annealing of the primer to several discrete complementarysites, i.e., primer binding sites, on each single-stranded genomic DNAtemplate. Annealing occurs at ˜25° C. for approximately 2 minutes. Afterthe primer has annealed to several discrete complementary sites on eachsingle-stranded genomic DNA template, a polymerase, e.g., Taqpolymerase, elongates distinct nucleic acid polymers, i.e., SGP nucleicacid polymers, starting at the 3′ end of the primer and extending in 5′to 3′ direction. Elongation occurs at ˜72° C. for approximately 2minutes, and as such, in this theoretical first cycle of mPCR, SGPnucleic acid polymers of ˜21 bases or less are produced.

A representation of the first cycle of mPCR with the theoretical primerand genomic DNA sequences of Examples 1.1 and 1.2 is represented inFIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 shows the theoretical genomic DNA sequence (alsodepicted in FIG. 4) as two denatured single-stranded DNA templates. Thesequence of one of the single-stranded DNA templates is depicted5′-to-3′ and by uppercase letters (FIG. 5A; SEQ ID NO:1), and thesequence of the complementary single-stranded DNA template is depicted3′-to-5′ and by lowercase letters (FIG. 5B; SEQ ID NO:2). Also, boldletters indicate the expected primer annealing sites. The regions of thegenomic DNA the SGP nucleic acid polymers are expected to be derivedfrom during the first cycle of amplification are represented underneatheach genomic DNA template by 1) letters corresponding to the theoreticalprimer sequence underneath each primer binding site to depict binding ofthe primer to the primer binding site, 2) an arrow depicting thedirection of elongation of the SGP nucleic acid polymer, and 3) across-hatch demonstrating the expected length of the elongated SGPnucleic acid polymer. Sequences of SGP nucleic acid polymers that areexpected to be generated from each genomic DNA template after the firstcycle of amplification are listed in FIG. 6 (SEQ ID NOs:3-34). As shown,the sequences of some SGP nucleic acid polymers comprise SGP primerbinding sites (represented by bolded sequences).

During the denaturing step of the second, and subsequent, cycles ofamplification, the SGP nucleic acid polymers having sequences comprisingSGP primer binding sites (as shown in FIG. 6) will be separated fromeach genomic DNA template, and will participate in subsequent annealingand elongation steps, i.e., they will not form higher-order structures.Consequently, in second and subsequent amplification cycles, in additionto the SGP nucleic acid polymers set forth in FIG. 6, a set of SGP-SGPnucleic acid polymers set forth in FIG. 7 (SEQ ID NOs:35-42) will besynthesized and amplified.

One of skill in the art will readily recognize that each of thesequences set forth in FIG. 7, i.e., each SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymersequence, is identical to one of the several regions of a genomic DNAtemplate bracketed by primer binding sites (as depicted with brackets inFIG. 4), i.e., is bracketed by the SGP primer sequence and the reversecomplement of the SGP primer sequence. One of skill in the art will alsorecognize that subsequent cycles of amplification will result in anexponential doubling of the sequences listed in FIG. 7. It isapproximated that after 22-24 cycles, approximately 10⁶ to 10⁷ copies ofeach distinct SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymer listed in FIG. 7 will begenerated from one copy of the genome.

A “half-time” elongation step is included after several, e.g., 22-24,mPCR cycles containing full-time elongation steps, such that the 3′ endof some of the SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers listed in FIG. 7 will notbe copied because the elongation time is reduced. The “half-time”elongation step will be approximately 40-60% of the length of time usedin the previous full-time elongation steps, for example, 50% of thelength of time of the elongation step used above.

In the present example, elongation during the half-time step occurs at˜72° C. for approximately 1 minute. Such a time for elongation allowsthe polymerization of ˜10 base pairs. As such, only a nucleic acidpolymer derived from an SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymer that has one of thefollowing sequences (as listed in FIG. 7) will be fully elongated suchthat it will comprise a primer-binding site: 3′-tcga-5′ (set forth asSEQ ID NO:36), 3′-tcgcccccga-5′ (set forth as SEQ ID NO:37), 5′-AGCT-3′(set forth as SEQ ID NO:40), or 5′-AGCGGGGGCT-3′ (set forth as SEQ IDNO:41). Such SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers will not participate in theformation of higher order structures.

In contrast, a nucleic acid polymer copied in a half-time elongationstep from an SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymer having one of the followingsequences (as listed in FIG. 7) will be a shortened SGP nucleic acidpolymer, i.e., it will not have a sequence comprising a primer-bindingsite: 3′-tcgggtttcccggaagccga-5′ (set forth as SEQ ID NO:35),3′-tcggctactacggaacga-5′ (set forth as SEQ ID NO:38),5′-AGCCCAAAGGGCCTTCGGCT-3′ (set forth as SEQ ID NO:39), or5′-AGCCGATGATGCCTTGCT-3′ (set forth as SEQ ID NO:42). The sequences ofSGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers and shortened SGP nucleic acid polymersexpected to be derived from the SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers listed inFIG. 7 after a half-time elongation step are listed in FIG. 8. Theshortened SGP nucleic acid polymers, i.e., those that do not have an SGPprimer-binding site and will participate in the formation ofhigher-order structures, are underlined in FIG. 8 and have sequences asfollows: 5′-AGCCCAAAGG-3′ (set forth as SEQ ID NO:43), 5′-AGCCGATGAT-3′(set forth as SEQ ID NO:46), 3′-cggaagccga-5′ (set forth as SEQ IDNO:47) and 3′-tacggaacga-5′ (set forth as SEQ ID NO:50).

The subsequent mPCR cycles including a half-time elongation step inplace of the full-time elongation step result in single-strandedshortened SGP nucleic acid polymers that will not have complementarystrands, thus they will form higher-order structures. These higher-orderstructures can be detected by performing Tm analysis (waveformprofiling). In contrast, shorter SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers, e.g.,5′-AGCT-3′, will be completely elongated during mPCR with a half-timeelongation step. Thus, because a complete complementary SGP-SGP nucleicacid polymer will always form during the half-time elongation step,these shorter SGP-SGP nucleic acid polymers will bind to theircomplementary nucleic acid polymer and will not participate in theformation of higher order structures.

What is claimed is:
 1. A microfluidic device comprising: a microfluidicreagent assembly area for forming two or more sample plugs, said microfluidic reagent assembly area comprising: i. a microfluidic inlinechannel, wherein the inline channel is configured to receive a carrierliquid; ii. a sample droplet forming area for forming one or more sampledroplets containing genomic material, said sample droplet forming areacomprising: an inlet for receiving one or more samples containinggenomic material to be formed into said one or more sample droplets, anda genomic material isolation area in fluid communication with the inlet;wherein said genomic material isolation area is in further fluidcommunication with a sample droplet micro fluidic path; and wherein saidsample droplet microfluidic path is in fluid communication with saidmicrofluidic inline channel; iii. an intersection between the sampledroplet microfluidic path and the microfluidic in line channel, whereinsaid sample droplet is combined with carrier liquid to form a sampledroplet; iv. a primer plug producing area, said primer plug producingarea comprising a primer assembly apparatus, said primer assemblyapparatus comprising: a primer plug microfluidic path having a first endand a second end, wherein the primer plug microfluidic path isconfigured to receive a carrier liquid at the first end; multiple inletspositioned along the length of the primer plug microfluidic path betweenthe first and second ends for receiving amplification reagents and atleast one primer in fluid communication with said primer plugmicrofluidic path; wherein said amplification reagents and at least oneprimer are combined with carrier liquid to form multiple primer plugs;and wherein the second end of said primer plug micro fluidic path is influid communication with said micro fluidic inline channel; and v. asample plug mixing area located downstream from the intersection betweenthe sample droplet microfluidic path and the microfluidic in linechannel, wherein the sample plug mixing area comprises an intersectionbetween said microfluidic in-line channel and the second end of saidprimer plug microfluidic path, wherein said sample droplet and primerplug are mixed to form the sample plugs; wherein said microfluidicin-line channel passes through an amplification area and a detectionarea following the micro fluidic reagent assembly area.
 2. Themicrofluidic device of claim 1, wherein the genomic material isolationarea comprises a filtering apparatus, an extraction apparatus for theisolation of genomic material and a genomic material concentrationadjuster.
 3. The microfluidic device of claim 1, wherein the sampledroplet micro fluidic path intersects the microfluidic inline channel ata T-shaped junction.
 4. The microfluidic device of claim 1, wherein theprimer plug micro fluidic path intersects the micro fluidic inlinechannel at a T-shaped junction.
 5. The microfluidic device of claim 1,wherein said primer assembly apparatus is controlled to assemble primerplugs containing at least one primer and at least one marker.
 6. Themicrofluidic device of claim 1, wherein the micro fluidic inline channelfurther comprises a valve downstream of the detection area.
 7. Themicrofluidic device of claim 1, wherein the micro fluidic inline channelfurther comprises a valve downstream of the detection area.
 8. Themicrofluidic device of claim 1, further comprising at least one fluidreservoir connected to at least one micro fluidic channel.
 9. Themicrofluidic device of claim 1, further comprising at least one sipper.10. The microfluidic device of claim 1, further comprising a controlinstrument, wherein the instrument controls fluid movement within thesample droplet microfluidic path, the primer plug microfluidic path,micro fluidic inline channel and data acquisition from the microfluidicdevice.
 11. The microfluidic device of claim 9, wherein the sipperaspirates sample droplets from the sample droplet microfluidic path intothe microfluidic in line channel.
 12. The microfluidic device of claim1, wherein the amplification reagents comprise nucleotides, DNApolymerase, magnesium and a buffer.
 13. The microfluidic device of claim12, wherein the amplification reagents further comprise a detectableagent.
 14. The microfluidic device of claim 1 comprising a microfluidicchip.
 15. The microfluidic device of claim 11, wherein the deviceadditionally comprises a valve prior to the waste receptacle and whereinthe device further selects a sample plug at the valve to send the sampleplug to the waste receptacle or to send the sample plug for furtheranalysis.
 16. The microfluidic device of claim 1, further comprising awaste receptacle in fluid communication with the microfluidic in linechannel, wherein the waste receptacle is located after the detectionarea.
 17. The microfluidic device of claim 1, wherein said multipleprimer plugs contain the same primer or different primers.
 18. A systemcomprising: a sample droplet microfluidic path; a microfluidic inlinechannel intersecting the sample droplet microfluidic path, wherein thesample droplet microfluidic path is in fluid communication with themicrofluidic inline channel; a primer plug microfluidic path having afirst end and a second end, wherein multiple inlets are positioned alongthe length of the primer plug microfluidic path between the first endand the second end, wherein the second end of the primer plugmicrofluidic path is in fluid communication with the microfluidic inlinechannel; a sample plug mixing area located downstream from theintersection between the sample droplet microfluidic path and themicrofluidic inline channel, wherein the sample plug mixing areacomprises an intersection between the microfluidic inline channel andthe second end of said primer plug microfluidic path; and a fluid flowcontroller providing instructions comprising: instructions to flow acarrier liquid into the inline channel; instructions to flow at leasttwo samples containing genomic material from the sample dropletmicrofluidic path into the inline microfluidic channel to form at leasttwo sample droplets alternated by carrier liquid in the inlinemicrofluidic channel; instructions to flow the carrier liquid into theprimer plug microfluidic path at the first end; instructions to injectat least two primer plugs through the multiple inlets positioned alongthe length of the primer plug microfluidic path to form at least twoprimer plugs within the carrier fluid; and instructions to mix eachprimer plug with a sample droplet in the sample plug mixing area to forma sample plug in the a microfluidic inline channel downstream from thesample plug mixing area.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein each of themultiple primer plugs contains a different primer.
 20. The system ofclaim 18, wherein the multiple primer plugs contain the same primerprimers.
 21. The system of claim 18, wherein the sample dropletmicrofluidic path intersects the microfluidic inline channel at aT-shaped junction.
 22. The system of claim 18, wherein the primer plugmicrofluidic path intersects the micro fluidic inline channel at aT-shaped junction.